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March 22, 2019 The Honorable Michael J. Dunleavy Governor of Alaska State Capital Building Juneau, AK 99801 Dear Governor Dunleavy, On Monday you announced in an official press release that you would hold a series of public meetings around the state to discuss your fiscal plan for Alaska’s future. You named five communities where you’ve arranged forums for your “Statewide Discussion for a Permanent Fiscal Plan,” expressing that “in order to be successful, we must have the engagement and support of the Alaskan people.” The following day, we discovered through media reports that your statewide roadshow would be hosted and funded not by you in your official capacity but by Americans for Prosperity – Alaska (AFP-AK), a private, politically conservative advocacy organization. We also learned that these forums were considered private events and that attendees must relinquish certain constitutional rights in order to participate. We believe your state roadshow infringes on Alaskans’ First Amendment and privacy rights. You represented your statewide presentations as official executive branch business, but AFP-AK’s conditions of attendance would force Alaskans to show identification and to register with AFP-AK; disallow political expression on clothing or signage; prevent individuals and news media from recording or transmitting material from the event without written approval; and permit AFP-AK to capture a citizen’s likeness through photography, film, and voice recording—to become the “sole property” of AFP-AK—allowing "disseminat[ion] into perpetuity such media for any purpose whatsoever.” Alaskans who do not fully consent to AFP-AK’s terms will be denied entry to your forums. The Senate Democrats support efforts to engage in public outreach on your budget proposal and the state’s long-term fiscal situation. However, your approach is undercut by AFP-AK’s involvement, control, and fine-print preconditions and is likely to discourage attendance by many Alaskans—impeding dissemination of information and restraining public discourse. In light of these concerns, we are offering to reserve and pay for alternative venue options for your roadshow to avert potential constitutional violations and promote stronger public involvement and the people’s faith in government transparency. For your March 26 Anchorage event, we propose the Wendy Williamson Auditorium at the University of Alaska, which is available at the that same date and time. Further, whereas the 49th State Brewing Company can only safely accommodate 300 people, the Wendy Williamson Auditorium can hold up to 900, providing many more Anchorage residents access to your presentation and your budget team. If you’d prefer to hold a separate public forum in addition to the private one you’ve already scheduled, our proposed venue is available all day that day. For your March 28 Fairbanks stop, West Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center is also available at the same date and time as your planned Westmark Hotel event, but may be arranged at a different time that day if you’d prefer to add another Fairbanks forum. In addition, we’ve noticed your roadshow wholly excludes any events in Southeast Alaska. We’re happy to secure the Centennial Hall in Juneau so Southeast residents can be informed about and engaged in your budget discussions. Senator Kiehl’s office has confirmed availability for this facility between April 1 and April 4. You’ve been outspoken about your desire to restore trust in government. We hope you accept our offer to demonstrate that you are dedicated to a meaningful interface with Alaskans and to open and honest dialogue about your budget proposal and fiscal vision for our state. We appreciate your attention to this matter and readily await your response to our proposal. Sincerely, Senator Tom Begich Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson Senator Scott Kawasaki Senator Jesse Kiehl Senator Bill Wielechowski .

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