Elvi Gray-Jackson

“Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation. In many rural communities, suicide rates are nearly 4 times that average, the national average. Teaching our students how to recognize mental health challenges, seek help, and support one another is one of the most basic and meaningful steps we can take to address this crisis.”

“That is simply, simply not what SB 41 would do. The bill wouldn't create a state takeover of local classrooms.”

“our children are watching. They are watching. They are hoping that we hear their voices and understand their pleas for help. They're looking to us for leadership, compassion, and action.”

“online blogs and commentators mischaracterized this bill, spreading claims that were not only false, but harmful. Those misunderstandings ultimately found their way into the governor's veto message as well. The governor claimed this bill would place the state in the role of imposing upon school districts and mandating development of mental health education.”

“Governor Dunleavy has made this personal. And he made it personal because it's affecting our kids who, who are hurting, Mr. Speaker and Mr. President. So I rise today with disappointment. I'm shocked, and yet somehow I'm inspired, um, following the beat of Senate Bill 41, a bill that will save lives in this state both now and for generations to come.”

“It didn't strip authority from local school boards. It didn't replace community values with one-size-fits-all mandate. In fact, it sought to provide communities with better tools to address a crisis that is impacting students in every corner of our state.”