FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/12/2023

Mark Begich continues to gain support from mayors across Alaska, lining up endorsements from 7 current and former mayors in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region who recognize the results Begich has delivered for rural Alaska when it comes to supporting issues like fisheries, subsistence, public safety, veterans and postal service.

Endorsements Include:

Jacques Longpre, Aniak, Mayor

Daniel Schoenten, Goodnews Bay Mayor

Joseph Bell, Hooper Bay Mayor

Daniel Olrun, Sr., Mekoryuk Mayor

William F. Alstrom, Saint Mary’s Mayor

Tiffany Zulkosky, Former Bethel Mayor

Ulric J. Ulroan, Former Chevak Mayor

“Mark is proud of the support he continues to gain from Alaska’s current and former mayors, including those in the Y-K region where issues like subsistence, fisheries, public safety, care for veterans, and bypass mail are issues Mark has become a leader on during this time in the Senate,” said Susanne Fleek- Green, Alaskans for Begich campaign manager.

Begich has risen fast in the Senate leadership, securing key committee spots on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee that have helped him bring resources back to rural Alaska.

Begich’s accomplishments for the Yukon-Kuskokwim region include:

Fisheries Disaster Funds – Begich used his committee seats to secure millions of dollars in fisheries disaster funds for communities along the Y-K delta that suffered low salmon runs.

Rural Broadband – Begich delivered over $170 million in improvements to rural broadband to provide education and tele-health services .

Securing Flood Relief Resources – Begich used his leadership role on the subcommittee overseeing FEMA to secure critical resources to ease the damage done by flooding in communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers.

Supporting the Voting Rights Act – Begich opposes the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate preclearance under the Voting Rights Act and supports restoration of the law’s authority.

Indian Health Service – Begich secured a permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Service, the first reauthorization in over twenty years. He also secured historic full funding for IHS Contract Support Costs to Alaska Native tribal facilities this year.

Safe Families & Villages Act – Begich introduced the Safe Families & Villages Act to give Alaska tribes resources and local control to empower communities to manage domestic violence.

Rural Veterans – A successful Begich initiative allows veterans in rural Alaska to receive health care at tribal health facilities, saving veterans thousands of dollars in travel costs and allowing them to get care close to home.

Alaska Territorial Guard – In 2009, Senator Begich successfully secured reinstatement of pension payments for members of the WWII-era Alaska Territorial Guard.

Postal Service Reform — Begich has fought back efforts to end Bypass Mail and pushed the U.S. Postal Service to reverse rate increases in rural Alaska, ensuring critical service to Alaskans and a lifeline for the rural Alaska economy.

Essential Air Service – 82% of Alaska communities are off the road system and Begich has protected vital transportation routes and services by protecting the Essential Air Service program.

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