Alaska CHARR - The Magazine January/February January 2022 | Page 6

Letter from the President

Grassroots Advocacy

BY SARAH OATES | ALASKA CHARR PRESIDENT & CEO

With this new year comes the second half of the 32 nd Legislative Session and a significant need for grassroots advocacy . Grassroots advocacy – the thousands of letters , emails , calls , and live testimony in hearings and meetings by YOU – has been crucial in securing financial relief and other forms of aid throughout the pandemic and in enabling our team to negotiate compromises with government officials to prevent further economic damage to our industry .

During this year ’ s legislative session , we will again call on your voices to help legislators understand the importance of finally passing Senate Bill 9 ( SB 9 ) – the 125 + page bill that would update and improve Alaska ’ s alcohol laws ( Title 04 of Alaska Statute ). This bill will significantly streamline license applications processes – saving you time and money – while overhauling criminal penalties for violations , increasing proactive education by the State , and providing more flexibility for businesses . It is our hope that you will take a small amount of time to contact your legislators and let them know that this bill will help you as an Alaskan business owner .
This year , we will begin utilizing a text messaging outreach platform to keep you informed of critical updates and breaking news , and to mobilize the industry to ensure that lawmakers hear your voices when making decisions that will impact your livelihoods . Stay tuned !
Until then , we hope you will join us at the Capitol on Wednesday , February 2 , to meet with legislators , friends , and colleagues . For more information , please contact our main office .
Happy New Year from your Alaska CHARR Dream Team ! At your service ,

DURING THIS YEAR ’ S LEGISLATIVE SESSION , WE WILL AGAIN
CALL ON YOUR VOICES TO HELP LEGISLATORS UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF FINALLY PASSING SENATE BILL 9 .