To whom it may concern,

This letter and the signatures attached represent a coalition of Alaskan based nonprofits, members and supporters that are requesting your support and action regarding statute Sec. 05.15.640. Restrictions on use of broadcasting.

Universal Citation: AK Stat § 05.15.640 (2018) (a) A person may not use broadcasting to promote or conduct a charitable gaming activity under this chapter except that a person may use

(1) broadcasting to promote a fish derby, a dog mushers' contest, a type of classic defined in AS 05.15.6900, or a raffle and lottery; or

(2) the Internet or an Internet communication to promote a charitable gaming activity under this chapter.

The issue: Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, fundraising events for nonprofits have been canceled since 2019. This has created a massive loss in revenue for these nonprofits and the many charitable programs that represent conservation, environmental issues and many humanitarian issues in Alaska. Governor Mike Dunleavy has allowed nonprofits during his public emergency order to conduct online raffles and auctions to help offset the loss in funding. In a few short weeks when this order expires, nonprofits again will not be allowed to use the internet to conduct fundraising despite that many nonprofits have already canceled 2021 banquets and fund raisers. After speaking with the Alaska gaming commission, it was suggested that we seek to have AS 05.15.690 amended to no longer restrict the conducting of online raffles and auctions for non - profit associations via the internet. We are officially requesting your support as elected representatives of the State of Alaska to continue to help Alaskans and these charitable organizations that represent them.

We ask for your support and action in the authoring of legislation that will bring fundraising for nonprofits to the same up-to-date style of business that Alaskans enjoy and conduct in everyday life. Specifically, we ask for a change in section 2 of this statute to read: (2) the Internet or an Internet communication to promote and CONDUCT a charitable gaming activity under this chapter. This change will allow nonprofits to practice safe health practices while also continuing to support the needs of Alaskans

Respectfully, 

The People of Alaska