Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard and Turnagain

May 5, 2022

Reproductive Freedom

This week, a draft of the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization was leaked to the press. This opinion is a draft. It could still change, and it won't have the force of law until after the Supreme Court releases it officially. If this opinion is released without changes, it would not only uphold Mississippi's 15-week ban, it would explicitly overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey — ending the constitutional right to abortion in the United States.

The Alaska Constitution protects our right to privacy and gives Alaskans a greater right to privacy than the United States Constitution. Part of our right to privacy set forth in Article I, Section 22 of the Alaska Constitution includes privacy with respect to medical care: these decisions are personal, private decisions that must be left for individuals and families to decide. Yet if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade in the coming weeks or months, people in 26 states would swiftly lose critical abortion care. As abortion bans advance all over the country, we must continue to protect individual rights in Alaska. Attacking these rights goes against our American and Alaskan values of freedom, self-determination, and personal privacy.

I am glad to see Alaskans all over the state coming together to uphold the right to choose.

Teacher Appreciation Week & House Bill 220

Watch my latest video update

Education remains our best investment in Alaska's future. In a year marked by challenges as students returned to in-person learning, the impacts of the pandemic remain, and Alaska's teachers have risen to the occasion. As our teachers continue to support our students and our community, it is important that we show them our support.

In this week's video update, I took a few minutes to reflect on this hard work of Alaska's teachers.

Alaska needs to be competitive in recruiting and retaining teachers. With some of the worst retirement benefits in the U.S., Alaska’s teachers deserve better. The House Finance Committee recently advanced legislation that would restore a defined benefit pension option for public employees, including teachers. House Bill 220 proposes to give employees the ability to choose a more predictable retirement plan. The change would help counter high employee turnover, increased training and recruitment costs in Alaska, and inefficient spending of limited state dollars. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation and am hopeful for its passage.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Started in 1949, every May, organizations, advocates, and communities join together to spread awareness about mental health, share support, and fight stigma. Two years into the pandemic, this issue is more relevant than ever.

Resources:

The National Suicide Prevention Helpline is 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
NAMI support groups
Search Alaska mental health and substance use disorder services
Learn more about mental illness, including warning signs, symptoms, and treatments

As we enter sunnier, warmer months, it is important we remember to treat each other with kindness and compassion. Well-Being Alaska offers helpful tips on how to practice compassion with others and with yourself. Read more here.

→ SB 80 (also HB 60)

Since 2019, our office has sponsored legislation to add "mental health" to the health and personal safety guidelines for K-12 education. Senate Bill 80 (the companion of our HB 60) has almost reached the finish line. Thanks to all of the students, parents, and members of our community who have shown their support for this important legislation.

→ HB 172 / SB 124

House Bill 172 and its companion in the Senate (SB 124) create more options for mental and behavioral health treatment and support. Crisis Stabilization Centers will serve as 24-hour facilities for individuals in crisis. Crisis Residential Centers will offer 7-day treatment, an intermediary between Crisis Stabilization and the 30-day facilities that already exist.

Community Information

→ Special Election for U.S. Congress

A special primary election will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Ballots for this election were mailed automatically to all registered voters starting on April 27. On this ballot, voters choose one candidate and the top four will proceed to the August 16 special election. A special election will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. This election will occur on the same ballot as the regular primary election. This election will be the first to use the ranked-choice voting system.

Special election information

→ Foraker Group Pre-Development Toolkit

The Foraker Group recently shared their Pre-Development Toolkit, which provides Alaska organizations (local and regional governments, tribes, nonprofits, and collaboratives) taking on capital projects with the information they need to succeed.

It is very easy to use with simple navigation and packed with step by step guidance and resources. This tool is the first in the country and it’s available at no charge to anyone who wants to use it.

→ In Search of Alaska’s Youth Heroes

Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska are seeking youth heroes who make a positive difference in their Alaska community. Up to six selected youth each will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship through Alaska 529 and given special recognition in their local communities.

Anyone can nominate a young hero in their life. Tell us about a child or teen, age 6-18, who is improving life for those around them. Whether it was to support others during the pandemic or an ongoing effort. Our goal is to shine a spotlight on youth who are doing good around us. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to nominate Alaska youth by submitting a nomination form by June 17.

Learn more about the Summer of Heroes program and obtain a nomination form at www.alaskacommunications.com/summerofheroes.