Black History Month in the Capitol

February was Black History Month, a time to honor, reflect on, and celebrate the profound contributions Black Americans have made to our nation’s history. It is a month not only of remembrance, but of recognition: recognition of resilience, leadership, innovation, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.

Here in Alaska, Black leaders, entrepreneurs, service members, educators, and advocates have helped shape our communities in meaningful and lasting ways. From those who came north during the military buildup and the construction of the Alaska Highway, to the trailblazers who broke barriers in public service, business, and civic life, Black Alaskans have strengthened our state and enriched our shared story.

Black History Month is more than a celebration of the past; it is a call to action in the present. It reminds us that progress is built through courage, determination, and a commitment to opportunity for all. As we recognize the achievements and sacrifices of Black Americans, we also reaffirm our responsibility to continue advancing fairness, equity, and inclusion in our communities.

This month, and every month, I remain committed to supporting policies that expand opportunities, protect civil rights, and ensure that every Alaskan, regardless of race or background, has the chance to thrive.

Supplemental Budget – HB 289 – Explained

The Alaska House of Representatives has passed a supplemental spending measure, House Bill 289, to address mid-year budget gaps and unexpected costs in the current fiscal year.

The bill totals approximately $490 million and consolidates multiple requests from Governor Mike Dunleavy. It is intended to cover expenses that exceeded earlier appropriations. A major component includes $70 million for transportation and construction projects, partly to restore funding previously vetoed and to secure additional federal matching funds. The package also provides disaster response funding related to wildfires and severe storms.

Although the House approved the measure, it did not secure the three-quarter supermajority required to draw from state savings accounts, leaving the bill technically unfunded at this time. Further action by the Alaska Senate, particularly the Finance Committee, will determine whether the appropriations are fully financed.

In summary, the supplemental budget aims to address cost overruns, restore vetoed funding, support disaster response efforts, and align state spending with federal funding opportunities. Its outcome now depends on action in the Senate.

My office will continue to provide updates in my monthly newsletter and on my Senate Facebook page. You are also welcome to contact my staff directly with any questions about this proposal or the broader budget process.

Reminder: PFD Application Deadline & Municipal Election Registration

As we enter March, we’re nearing the end of PFD application season. All applications must be submitted by March 31 at 11:59 p.m.

To apply online between January 1 and March 31, visit the PFD homepage and click “CLICK HERE TO FILE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.”

Choose from the available Apply Online options:

✅ File with your myAlaska username

✅ Create a new myAlaska account

✅ File with the option to print, sign, and submit a paper signature page

Also, March 8 is the deadline to register to vote in the Municipality of Anchorage’s Regular Election. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters, so make sure your information is up to date if you’ve recently moved or changed your name.

Plan ahead, apply early, and don’t forget to register to vote to avoid last-minute stress!

During session it is important to stay informed about what is going on. Here are a few helpful ways to follow along:

Alaska State Legislature Website

This website allows you to access your legislator’s office contact information, committee schedules, and current and past legislation, along with daily calendars and public meeting notices.

Bill Tracking

Want updates on a bill? Just text the bill number (like SB 6) to (559) 245-2529 to get alerts sent straight to your phone. You can also sign up on this website.

My Newsletter

If you know someone who would like to stay informed and engaged, please consider forwarding this newsletter to them. You can send this link here.

Gavel Alaska

Watch live unedited coverage of the House and Senate committee meetings and floor sessions

Join us for a District G Town Hall

Join Senator Gray-Jackson, Representative Galvin and Representative Josephson for a District G Town Hall on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:00 to 11:30am on the 4^th Floor at the Z.J Loussac Library (3600 Denali St., Anchorage, AK 99503).

This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to our community. Whether you have concerns about legislation or want to stay informed. Join the conversation, your voice makes a difference!

Legislative Updates: Progress on Key Bills

In early February, SB 20 CPR Curriculum passed the Senate with a 19-0 vote and my staff has submitted a hearing request for the bill to be heard in House Education as soon as possible.

SB 6 Asian American/Pacific Islander Program also passed through House Education and will be scheduled in the House Finance Committee soon. My office will post updates to Facebook as it moves along in the process.

If you are interested in providing testimony on specific legislation, please find the information below:

Call in numbers for testimony:

Juneau prefixes: 907-586-9085
Anchorage prefixes: 907-563-9085
All other callers: 844-586-9085

Legislative Budget & Audit Committee

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17th. It will start at 8am.

Engaging with Advocates & Organizations

The legislative session is an especially demanding time, filled with daily hearings, committee meetings, floor sessions, and the many responsibilities that come with advancing thoughtful policy. Even with a full schedule in Juneau, meeting with constituents and community organizations remains one of my highest priorities. These conversations ensure that the work being done in the Capitol reflects the real needs, experiences, and perspectives of the people I serve.

So far this session, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of groups, including 4-H Governance, ASF high school exchange students from Ghana, Germany, Pakistan, and Palestine, Alaska Children’s Trust, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the Alaska Pharmacy Association, the UA Coalition, and UA Alumni.

Each meeting brings valuable insight. Whether it’s hearing from young leaders, advocates working to strengthen families, professionals advancing healthcare access, or partners committed to higher education in our state. I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their ideas, concerns, and priorities, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations throughout the session.

Commitment to Alaskans

I am proud to be back in Juneau, working diligently to represent my constituents and Alaskans throughout the State. Alaskans’ voices matter! Please stay informed and engaged in the process!