Elvi's Updates- End of Session

Dear Friends,

The 33rd Alaska State Legislature will soon be coming to an end, marking the close of this year's 121-day legislative session. Over the past several months, legislators worked diligently to pass legislation on a variety of important issues affecting Alaskans such as the Permanent Fund, the State budget, and infrastructure funding.

It was a productive session that saw the passage of bills aimed at supporting our economy, improving education, and protecting our environment. However, there is still more work to be done to address the ongoing budget deficit and fiscal challenges facing our state. As your Senator, I remain committed to finding responsible solutions that will help create jobs and spur economic growth.

As we approach the end of session, my focus will shift toward community outreach and preparation for the next legislative cycle. However, please know that my office will remain open throughout the summer. If you have any concerns, questions, or feedback on legislative matters, feel free to contact me at my Anchorage office located at 1500 W. Benson or by phone at 907-269-4930. You can also reach out by email.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of our great state over this past session. I look forward to continuing our work together to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all Alaskans. Thank you for the opportunity to be your voice in the Capitol.

AAPI Month

As we honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse AAPI communities in Alaska. The Asian American and Pacific Islander population has grown significantly in recent decades, enriching our state with their vibrant cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions across many fields.

However, for too long the histories and experiences of AAPI Alaskans have been underrepresented or omitted from what is taught in our schools. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 131 during this year’s legislative session to try to address this issue. If passed, SB 131 would require the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander history and contributions in Alaska’s K-12 social studies standards. This would help ensure students receive a more well-rounded and accurate education that properly acknowledges the roles and impact of these communities throughout our shared history.

During this session, the organization Make Us Visible came to testify in support of SB 131 at the State Capitol. In meetings with legislators and passionate public testimony, their members eloquently shared why representing AAPI histories and contributions in schools is so meaningful. They discussed how the lack of inclusion they experienced as students can negatively shape one’s sense of identity and belonging. By sharing their family histories and perspectives, Make Us Visible brought a human face and voice to an issue that affects so many in Alaska.

I was heartened by Make Us Visible’s efforts to raise further awareness about the need for change. Honoring AAPI Heritage Month is a time to not only celebrate culture, but also continue pushing for greater understanding and appreciation of the integral role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play in our communities. As their elected representative, I remain committed to working with advocates and stakeholders across the state to improve cultural representation in our education system. Their advocacy was inspiring and will surely help move this important discussion forward in the coming years.

My Bill Statuses

1. Senate Bill 22

a. Juneteenth

b. Bill is currently in House Rules

Next Step: a vote on the House Floor

2. Senate Bill 24

a. Mental Health in Schools

b. Bill is currently in House Education

Next Step: House Finance

3. Senate Bill 131

a. AAPI Education in Schools

b. Bill will be on the Senate floor for a vote on Friday, May 3rd

Next Step: To the House for Committee Referrals

4. Senate Bill 143

a. Education for Hearing Impaired

b. Bill is currently in Senate Education

Next Step: Senate Finance

5. Senate Bill 206

a. Workers’ Comp (Stay at Work)

b. Bill will be on the Senate floor for a vote soon.

Next Step: To the House

6. Senate Bill 221

a. CPR In Schools

b. Bill is currently in Senate Finance

Next Step: Senate floor for a vote.

7. Senate Bill 222

a. Insurance Coverage: Mammograms

b. Bill is currently in Senate Labor and Commerce

Next Step: Senate Finance

The Capital Budget

On April 14th, the Capital budget passed the Senate Floor by a vote of 15 to 3.

The Capital Budget is $3.5 billion ($3 billion in federal funds and $500 million in State funds). Highlights Include:

• $36 million for major maintenance projects at K-12 schools (including Northwood Elementary which is in the district).

• $26.4 million for the renovation of various University of Alaska buildings statewide.

• $30 million split between rebates for homebuyers for new energy-efficient homes; weatherization projects to help reduce power bills; and new housing in rural Alaska for teachers and public safety workers, among others.

• $15 million to help fund a nursing facility at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, which is intended to alleviate pressure at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

• $2 million for 76th Avenue Surface - Taku Lake to Old Seward Highway project.

• $330,000 for the Midtown Park Family Chalet

• $1 million to complete the Northern Lights Sound Barrier Fence

• $20,000 for Outreaching Lives which seeks to address houselessness in our city

The Operating Budget

The Operating Budget passed the House on April 11th and is now on the Senate Floor for a vote. Although the House included a PFD check in the amount of $2,273, the Senate Finance Committee used the 75/25 (75% to fund services, 25% to fund the PFD) formula which is more sustainable and will provide for a balance budget required by law. The budget also includes:

• $8.9 million to improve support for children grades kindergarten through third grade

• $44.9 million for school bond debt reimbursement

• $3.5 million for 10 additional Village Public Safety Officer positions

• $3.7 million to the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

• $2 million for 11 new positions from the Department of Law to assist with domestic violence and sexual assault cases

• $4 million to address the Anchorages homeless shelter - the facility at the former Solid Waste Services building

• $20 million in Alaska Marine Highway System backstop funding to ensure the ferry system is there for rural communities

• $7.5 million for childcare assistance

• $76. 8 million for fire suppression

• $14.9 million for the Department of Corrections

• $3 million for the Department of Commerce for Food Bank grants

• $5 million for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

The Senate budget reduced the Governor's budget by $12.2 Billion and includes a $1,360 PFD (using the 75/25 split) and a $222.00 energy relief check. If oil remains at $93-95 per barrel, we will receive $500 in energy relief money in FY 26. The budget also includes:

$680 Base Student Allocation increase

$5.2 million for K-3 Reading (to fund the Alaska Reads Act)

$15.1 million for Disaster Relief

$20 million for the Alaska Marine Highway System

$7.3 million for Pupil Transportation

$35.1 million for Fire Suppression

$30 million for Community Sharing (formerly called Revenue Sharing )

$5 million for Alaska Travel Industry

$10 million for Alaska Seafood Industry

$5.2 million for Headstart (to match Federal Funds)

$5 million for Senior and Disability Grants

$15 million for reimbursement for in-home personal assistants

In the Community

It isn't often that we get to see babies in the Capitol! This little guy came to visit me one afternoon. Here he is joined by his mother, who is a House Page.