July 1, 2020

Session:

Capitol Building

Room 417

Juneau, AK 99801

(907) 465-4930

Interim:

1500 W Benson Blvd.

Room 328

Anchorage AK 99503

(907) 269-0174

Standing Together in Alaska

Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope you and the family are enjoying the summer so far. As as we approach our nation's birthday, please be aware that we are still battling this virus. It remains vastly important to protect yourselves and others by continuing to practice all the safety measures that are in place. Please wear those masks - if not for yourselves, for others.

On June 19th, we celebrated Juneteenth to commemorate the abolition of slavery throughout the United States and its territories in 1865. I also announced that I will introduce legislation next year to designate Juneteenth, on June 19, as an official State holiday. Currently, State statute only recognizes the third Saturday of June as Juneteenth. “Establishing Juneteenth as an official day of recognition in Alaska not only acknowledges the wrongful enslavement of African Americans, but also recognizes there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in this country to establish equity for all Americans."

Mandatory Mask Wearing

As new cases of COVID-19 rise in Anchorage and statewide, the city has decided to require wearing face coverings in most indoor public settings. The emergency order, announced Friday by Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz at a community briefing, went into effect at 8 a.m. Monday, June 29th.

Where are masks required?

In Anchorage, masks are required inside public places such as restaurants, grocery stores, bars and breweries, retail stores and on public transportation. They’re also required in spaces shared by people who don’t live together, such as elevators and office common areas.

Employees and customers at personal care businesses — for example, hair salons or tattoo parlors — and staff at child care facilities should also continue wearing masks, which was required under the City’s reopening requirements.

Help:

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, contact your local health care provider.

Do you have questions? Email them to [email protected].

Alaskans who need help or connection to information related to COVID-19 impacts, can dial 2-1-1 from their phones.

You can also reach out via email to [email protected] or dial 1-800-478.2221.

Apply for an Absentee Ballot Online

The process to vote-by-mail is now a little easier in Alaska. On Wednesday, the Alaska Division of Elections opened up an online portal that allows Alaskans to request an absentee ballot for this year's elections. Previously, voters had to mail, fax, or email an application to the Division of Elections.

The Online Absentee Ballot Application System uses a driver's license or State ID card information to allow you to request absentee ballots. If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, you can still apply but you must use the paper form. The Online Absentee Ballot System can also be used to register to vote and to update voter registration information.

All absentee ballot applications are reviewed by the Alaska Division of Elections. You may check the status of your application at myvoterinformation.alaska.gov.

Youth Doing Good In The Community

Summer of Heroes is a program between Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska, promoting education, awareness, and support for youth development programs throughout the State. Summer of Heroes includes two main components - a youth recognition and scholarship award, and a cause-related sales promotion.

Included in the Summer of Heroes 2020 Toolkit you will learn more about the Summer of Heroes program and how you can support the great impact that our youth are making.

Complete your 2020 Census today. It's quick and easy, and your response helps to direct billions of dollars in Federal funds to local schools, roads, and other public services.

Additionally, results from the 2020 Census are used to determine political representation at all levels of government.

Visit My2020census.gov to complete your Census report– it will only take 10 minutes.