Dear Neighbors,

As Alaskans, we proudly brag about the fact that we have the biggest state, with the biggest mountains and the biggest fish. However, we need to be aware that Alaska also has the biggest problem with sexual abuse and sexual assault in the nation.

Alaska's incidence of rape is 71% greater than that of the next highest state. We’ve led the nation in sexual abuse and assault for twenty-one years. Sixty percent of victims are children, and the vast majority of assaults are not reported. Although we have 4,300 registered sex offenders in our state, we know that the number of predators is actually significantly higher.

I have introduced Senate Bill 218 to enable the State of Alaska to deal more effectively with sex offenders. Treatment programs for sex offenders simply do not work; no therapy program has significantly impacted recidivism rates. My bill increases the minimum lengths of sentences for these violent crimes, keeping the most dangerous offenders out of society for longer periods of time. It also requires periodic polygraph testing for sex offenders on probation and parole, an approach that has significantly increased offender compliance with probation requirements. My bill also updates sex offender registering and reporting. It has passed the Senate and is now in the House Finance Committee.

It is time to take strong measures that will make our state a safe place for the most vulnerable members of our community. Next week will be the beginning of April, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I have submitted a Compass Piece that will run on Monday with my college Senator Gretchen Guess (D-Anchorage) regarding SB 218. We also will be holding a small rally at the Capitol Building to kick-off the month and gain support for SB 218. I encourage you to be involved by contacting House Members and urging them to pass SB 218. Your support is important.

Sincerely,

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