CONTACT: Richard Benavides 907-465-3822

Juneau- Bettye Davis was sworn in today as the first African-American to serve as a Senator in

the Alaska State Legislature. Sen. Davis (D-Anchorage) will represent Senate District K which

includes much of the eastside of Anchorage.

A 30-year Alaska resident, Sen. Davis has been working in the Anchorage community since the

early seventies, as a nurse, social worker, community volunteer, and as a tireless advocate for

children. She previously served in the Alaska State House of Representatives for six years from

1991 to 1996 and was most recently a member of the Anchorage School Board. Sen. Davis

also serves as President of Alaska Business & Professional Women and is a trustee for Shiloh

Baptist Church.

Her priorities for the session include adequate funding for schools, open and honest

government, protecting Permanent Fund Dividends and a long-range fiscal plan that encourages

economic development leading to high paying jobs for Alaskans.