Dear Friends, As you know, I've been busy running for re-election and existing protocol does not allow sitting legislators to send legislative newsletters while running an active campaign. I'm back!! Thank you for your unwavering support this election cycle. I look forward to continuing to serve my district and the people of Alaska. Stay tuned for next month's newsletter where I will announce my upcoming legislative priorities! As usual, if you need any assistance, or have any questions or concerns please reach out to my office using the information at the bottom of this email. We are here for you and look forward to being in touch.

Alaska Native Heritage Month  During the 31st Legislature, I introduced SB86 and HB126 was the companion bill sponsored by Representative Zulkosky. HB126 passed both the House and Senate and on October 23rd, 2019, a bill was signed into law that designated November as Alaska Native Heritage Month.   November is a time to celebrate the diverse and rich histories of Alaska’s Native cultures. The first Native American Day, according to Census data, was declared by the Governor of New York in 1916 but wasn’t recognized nationally until 1990 when President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Please educate yourselves and one another about the cultures of our Native community.

Summer Happenings

Earlier this summer, I was happy to join fellow Legislators for a bill signing. After a long battle, Senator Micciche was able to pass Senate Bill 9- a law revising Title IV regarding Alcoholic Beverages. It was an honor to be able to assist this bill in its passage through the Labor and Commerce Committee.

When I served on the Anchorage Assembly, I attended the groundbreaking for the Blood Bank of Alaska located on Airport Heights Drive. Recently, I had an extensive tour of the facility. During the budget process, the Legislature was able to secure vital funding for the Blood Bank and its operations.

It was a pleasure to be invited by Rogers Park Elementary School to cut the ribbon at its mural unveiling. For several months, a local artist worked to encapsulate the vision of the students at the Elementary School. Although the mural was hanging for a few months before the unveiling, it was great to be a part of the official unveiling.

Each year at the Anchorage LIO, we have a wonderful team who manages our flower beds. They plant everything from nasturtiums to artichokes to creeping bellflowers and manage it from the summer until the fall. My office made an effort to harvest the kale and donate it to those in need. Here, I am with an employee of Bean's Cafe with the kale harvest of the year! Senate Bill 7 requires the policies and procedures for peace officers to be posted with the exception of confidential information. Earlier this year I was joined by fellow legislators and Governor Dunleavy for the signing of this very important bill at the Alaska State Crime Lab.

Our community has continued to provide for each other even after the pandemic. The SEEDS lab is a great example of what it means to truly provide for the community. The organization has an indoor farm that they use to teach youth about sustainability and food security. Additionally, the organization sells its produce to local small businesses across the state.

During our beautiful summer, I had the pleasure of visiting the new Food Bank of Alaska facility. It was an eye-opening experience to see the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Food Bank of Alaska is dedicated to eliminating hunger in Alaska by obtaining and providing food to partner agencies feeding hungry people and through anti-hunger leadership.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at any time: Besse Odom Chief of Staff 907.269.0174 Harlyn Andrew Legislative Staff 907.465.0155

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I’m Senator Elvi, always..... "Listening and Representing Your Interests!”