Dear Friends,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the last warm days before the cold settles in. That means our roadways are adorned with many campaign signs as we prepare for the upcoming election. With just 34 days remaining the end is in sight!

Voting is a valuable and essential part of democratic societies and it's also a right that should be protected and accessible to all eligible citizens. I encourage you to get out and exercise your right to vote. If you are not registered it is not too late!



Registration must be completed by October 5th and can be completed in person, or online here.

Orange Shirt Day

Yesterday, September 30^th was Orange Shirt Day. The day's significance lies in the orange shirt worn by Phyllis Webstad, a First Nations woman who was sent to a residential school at the age of seven. On her first day, her new orange shirt was taken away. This experience symbolizes the loss of identity and culture that many Indigenous children endured in these schools.

The harm caused by Indian boarding schools to Alaska Native communities has been extensive and long-lasting. These schools led to significant trauma for generations of Alaska Native people and highlight the urgent need for Alaska and America to acknowledge the historical wrongs and find reconciliation.

This is why I am so glad that the Legislature was able to come together to pass several pieces of legislation supporting our Alaska Native constituents and their communities.

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 17 encouraged the Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act.  

Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 13 supports a bill that aims to return land to Alaska Native villages. This land is currently held by the state and has limited the development of these villages. By returning the land, the bill hopes to help these villages grow and prosper.

SB 151 aims to address the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) in the state. It establishes a MMIP Review Commission to investigate unresolved cases and make recommendations. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to improve resources for identifying and reporting MMIP cases.



HB 26 recognizes three additional Alaska Native languages, bringing the number of official languages in Alaska to 23!

Celebrating 2024 Legislative Successes

Health and Wellbeing

Senate Resolution 9 calls for Alaska to make it easier for people to get mental health care. Encouraging insurance companies to treat mental health care the same as physical health care has proven to be one of the most effective ways to address the ongoing mental health crisis. This would help people get access to help faster and reduce costs.

SB 134 is primarily focused on data security and cybersecurity for insurance companies in Alaska. It ensures that insurance companies have robust measures in place to protect their customers' sensitive information. Additionally, this law mandates that most insurance companies do not charge extra (like deductibles, or co-pays) for mammograms, and related preventative screenings.

SB 67 aims to protect Alaskans from harmful PFAS chemicals by banning PFAS foams, requiring safe disposal, and exempting oil and gas operations until a suitable alternative is found.

SB 46 designates March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Alaska to increase public awareness about brain injuries and their prevention.

SB 147 makes changes to Alaska's workers' compensation laws. It helps injured workers stay at work or return to work, and it makes it easier for workers with post-traumatic stress disorder to get workers' compensation benefits.



HB 228 establishes the Alaska Task Force for the Regulation of Psychedelic Medicines. This task force will study the potential benefits and challenges of these medicines and recommend necessary regulations and changes to ensure fair access for Alaskans. The task force will submit their recommendations to the Legislature by January 31, 2025.

Education



HJR 18 allowed our legislature to ask the U.S. Congress to repeal the windfall elimination provision and Government pension offset that prevents our public workers, like teachers and firefighters from collecting full Social Security benefits. If we get rid of this rule, Alaskan public workers will get the full Social Security benefits they deserve.

HB 230 aims to address teacher and substitute shortages by repealing limits on out-of-state teaching experience, waiving lifetime certification fees for retiring teachers, and increasing the days retired teachers can substitute.



SB 13 the Textbook Cost Transparency Act gives students a heads-up on textbook prices when they sign up for classes. This helps them pick cheaper options and save some cash. It's about making college more affordable by showing students where they can save money on textbooks.

Honoring Our Heroes

SB 103 establishes a peer support counseling program for law enforcement and first responders, providing a confidential and safe space to discuss traumatic work experiences. This bill aims to address mental health stigma and support the well-being of public safety personnel.

SB 154 is a win-win for Alaskan businesses and for Alaska’s veterans looking to start their new chapter in the civilian workforce.

SB 159 designates the Friday before Memorial Day as "Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day" to honor veterans and their sacrifices. The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance and gratitude, and the bill encourages Alaskans to wear poppies on this day.

HB 155 Alaska has lacked a dedicated military affairs organization to advocate for its interests and promote economic growth related to the defense industry. HB 155 establishes an organization would help fill knowledge gaps and facilitate effective planning and implementation of defense-related strategies.



SB 174 designates the Honor and Remember Flag and the Honor and Sacrifice Flag as official state symbols to honor members of the armed forces, firefighters, and law enforcement who have died in the line of duty.

The interim has been a whirlwind of activity, including attending conferences, meeting with constituents, and touring district facilities. I've also spent many hours responding to emails and helping residents navigate government processes.

As we approach the start of the 34th Legislature, I'm working on reintroducing previous bills and drafting new legislation. Before submitting these bills, I will be meeting with stakeholders to gather input and make necessary revisions. I’ll share more details about my upcoming legislation in December.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at:

Deirdre Goins

Legislative Aide

907-269-0174



Jeff Stepp

Legislative Council Aide

907-465-4068