SENATE
BETTYE DAVIS
17th-27th Legislature (1991 -2012)
District: K
Party: Democrat
1991-1996 Representative
2001-2012 Senator
:
Born May 17, 1938, Bettye Davis is among Alaska’s top advocates of Children, Education, Health and Social issues. Born in Homer, Louisiana Davis grew up in Louisiana, earning her nursing degree from St. Anthony’s College. Davis attended Grambling State University where she received her BSW in 1971 and worked as an Assistant Director at the YWCA in San Bernardino, California from 1971 to 1972. Davis arrived in Anchorage, Alaska in 1972 and pursued her higher education at the University, Alaska Anchorage. Davis began her career in family services working at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute as a Nurse and Social Worker from 1972 to 1975. From 1975 to 1989, Davis worked in various positions within the Department of Health and Social Services: Childcare Specialist, Social Worker and Foster Care Coordinator.
Davis began her long political career when she was elected to the Anchorage School Board from 1982 to 1990 - serving two terms as board president. Davis became the first African-American woman elected to serve in the Alaska State House of Representatives. Davis served three terms (1990-1996). After an unsuccessful bid to the Alaska State Senate in 1996, Davis was re-elected to the Anchorage School Board and appointed to the State Board of Education in 1997. Davis also served as the president of the National Association of Black School Board Members and the president of the Alaska Black Leadership Conference. In 2000, Davis became the first African-American to be elected to the Alaska State Senate. Davis continues to serve in the Alaska State Senate and remains the "Conscious of the Legislature" - passing legislation that influences education, social issues and economic development.
Locally, Davis served on the Alaska Healthcare Strategy Council (2007-2008); Alaska 2000 Education Project; the Governor’s Task Force on Tolerance (2000-2001); and the Governor’s Commission on Youth and Justice (1995-96). Nationally, Davis serves as a Board Member for Women In Government; Treasurer, National Association of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL)/Women; State Director, WiLL (Women’s Legislative Lobby); Legislative Advisory Committee Member, WICHE (Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education); Vice Chair, National Conference of State Legislators - Health Committee; and the Interstate Commission on Higher Education Legislative Advisory Board. Davis also served as Energy Chair for both the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the National Foundation for Women Legislators.
Senator Davis is the recipient of countless awards to include, but not limited to: 2010 Pioneer Woman of the Year, Business and Professional Women (BPW) - North to the Future; 2010 Celebrate Liberty Award, Alaska Civil Liberties Union of Alaska; 2010 Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame, Alaska Women’s Network; Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation of Alaska Humanitarian Award; Mayor’s Award for Public Service; Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Meeting Champion Award; YWCA Woman of Achievement; Alaska Black Caucus Presidents Award; Wells Fargo Bank CheckPoint Alaska Award; 2000 Notable American Women; Who’s Who of American Women; and the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Award.
Davis is a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and is affiliated with various organizations to include, but not limited to: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (life member), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (life member), Business and Professional Women/USA, Alaska Women’s Political Caucus, Athena Society, Special Olympics, Zonta Anchorage, Campfire, Alaska Center for Children and Families; and March of Dimes.
Davis cares greatly about the community and strives to promote exemplary service at the local, state and national level.
Date and Place of Birth:
May 17, 1938
Homer, Louisiana
Occupation:
Social Worker
Spouse:
Troy (Deceased)
Residency in Alaska:
Alaska resident since 1973
Education:
Grambling University, B.S.W. Social Work, 1956-59, 1970-71; University of Alaska, Anchorage, Graduate Studies in Family Counseling, 1973-74.
Political and Government Positions:
Senator Bettye Davis has been appointed Presiding officer to serve on the NCSL Health Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures for the 2007-2008 Biennium.
Served on the Governor's Tolerance Task Commission 2000-2001.
Appointed as the Chair of NBCSL Energy Committee.
Served on the Anchorage School Board, 1982-89, two years as president.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 1990, 1992 and 1994, served as both Majority and Minority Whip.
Re-elected to the Anchorage School Board in 1998.
Appointed by Gov. Tony Knowles to the State Board of Education (1998).
Elected to the State Senate in 2000.
Business and Professional Positions:
Alaska Federation of Business & Professional Women Club, President, 1999-2000
Governor's Conference on Youth and Justice, At Risk Work Group, appointed 1995-96
National Black Caucus of State Legislators Chair, Region 12, 1995-96
Athena Society, Member 1994-present, Zonta Club of Anchorage, 1994- present
Winning with Stronger Education Committee Member, 1991-present
Alaska 2000 Education Project, Member, 1991- present; YWCA of Anchorage, Member 1988-present, Past Board Member, 1989-90
Served as National President of the National Association of Black School Administrators. National Alliance of Black School Educators, Member, 1986-present, Elections and Resolutions Committee.
Memberships:
She is currently a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Business and Professional Women/USA, the NAACP and is a member of the Alaska Women's Political Caucus, Anchorage Young Women's Christian Association, Athena Society, Church Women United, and Zonta. Mrs. Davis has served on various boards such as Special Olympics, Campfire, Alaska Center for Children and Families and the March of Dimes.
Special Interests:
Grandchildren (Anthony, Alesha, Philecia, Taylor), cooking, charitable fundraising
Legislative Service:
- 27th (2011-2012)
- 26th (2009-2010)
- 25th (2007-2008)
- 24th (2005-2006)
- 23rd (2003-2004)
- 22nd (2001-2002)
- 19th (1995-1996)
- 18th (1993-1994)
- 17th (1991-1992)
Legislative Service:
- 27th (2011-2012)
- 26th (2009-2010)
- 25th (2007-2008)
- 24th (2005-2006)
- 23rd (2003-2004)
- 22nd (2001-2002)
- 19th (1995-1996)
- 18th (1993-1994)
- 17th (1991-1992)
Bill | Short Title | Prime Sponsor(s) | Current Status | Status Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
INFLATION PROOF FOUNDATION FORMULA | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/21/2003 | ||
FORWARD FUNDING FOR EDUCATION | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/21/2003 | ||
PSYCH. EVALUATION/TREATMENT FOR STUDENTS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/21/2003 | ||
CHILD PROTECTION: PERS PEACE OFF STATUS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) STA | 01/21/2003 | ||
LEGAL AGE FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/21/2003 | ||
TAMPERING WITH PUBLIC RECORDS | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 141 SLA 03 | 07/10/2003 | ||
MEDICAID FOR BREAST & CERVICAL CANCER | SENATORS DAVIS, ELLIS, ELTON, FRENCH, GUESS, HOFFMAN, LINCOLN, OLSON |
(S) HES | 01/21/2003 | ||
ELECTION DAY VOTER REGISTRATION | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) STA | 02/21/2003 | ||
INCREASE AMT OF BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/02/2004 | ||
HATE CRIMES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) STA | 01/14/2004 | ||
EXTEND BOARD OF DISPENSING OPTICIANS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) L&C | 04/01/2004 | ||
EXTEND ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 02/20/2004 | ||
APPROP: CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION GRANTS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 02/04/2004 | ||
MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR BIRTHING CENTERS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 02/04/2004 | ||
MIDWIFERY BIRTH CENTER LICENSING | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 118 SLA 04 | 06/29/2004 |
Cosponsored Bills
Bill | Short Title | Prime Sponsor(s) | Current Status | Status Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
STALKING & PROTECTIVE ORDERS | REPRESENTATIVES HEINZE, CRAWFORD |
CHAPTER 87 SLA 03 | 06/13/2003 | ||
GROUP HEALTH INS: PRIVATE GROUPS/PERSONS | REPRESENTATIVES HEINZE, ROKEBERG |
CHAPTER 54 SLA 04 | 06/14/2004 | ||
HARASSMENT BY ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION | REPRESENTATIVE MEYER |
CHAPTER 13 SLA 03 | 05/01/2003 | ||
LIMITATIONS ON COMMERCIAL ELECTRONIC MAIL | REPRESENTATIVE MEYER |
CHAPTER 14 SLA 03 | 05/01/2003 | ||
PFD: PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS & MISC | REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE |
(S) JUD | 05/15/2003 | ||
PARENTS' WAIVER OF CHILD'S SPORTS CLAIM | REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 67 SLA 04 | 06/16/2004 | ||
UNLAWFUL EXPLOITATION OF MINOR/CHILD PORN | REPRESENTATIVE MEYER |
CHAPTER 131 SLA 04 | 06/29/2004 | ||
ANATOMICAL GIFTS REGISTRY/AWARENESS FUND | REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 68 SLA 04 | 06/16/2004 | ||
DIVE FISHERY MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT | REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS |
CHAPTER 156 SLA 04 | 07/03/2004 | ||
AWARDING CHILD CUSTODY | REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 111 SLA 04 | 06/29/2004 | ||
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FATALITY REVIEW TEAM | REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM |
CHAPTER 19 SLA 04 | 04/21/2004 | ||
YOUTH VOTE AMBASSADOR / ELECTION BDS | REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM |
CHAPTER 161 SLA 04 | 07/24/2004 | ||
HYDROGEN ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAM | REPRESENTATIVE CRAWFORD |
(S) FIN | 05/05/2004 | ||
INHALANTS AND POISONS AWARENESS WEEK | REPRESENTATIVE KAPSNER |
LEGIS RESOLVE 5 | 03/27/2003 | ||
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH | REPRESENTATIVE MCGUIRE |
LEGIS RESOLVE 43 | 05/07/2004 | ||
NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR GAMES | REPRESENTATIVE CROFT |
LEGIS RESOLVE 26 | 07/15/2003 | ||
PATRIOT ACT AND DEFENDING CIVIL LIBERTIES | REPRESENTATIVE GUTTENBERG |
LEGIS RESOLVE 27 | 07/15/2003 | ||
US COAST GUARD ROTC/JROTC PROGRAMS | REPRESENTATIVE LYNN |
LEGIS RESOLVE 30 | 07/15/2003 | ||
ELIMINATE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFSET | REPRESENTATIVE GATTO |
LEGIS RESOLVE 42 | 05/04/2004 | ||
INCREASE AMT OF BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION | SENATOR WILKEN |
(S) FIN | 03/02/2004 | ||
PARENT LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE BY CHILD | SENATOR DYSON |
(S) RLS | 05/10/2003 | ||
TEACHER LOAN ASSUMPTION PROGRAM | SENATOR GUESS |
(S) HES | 01/21/2003 | ||
SPECIAL ABSENTEE BALLOTS | SENATOR LINCOLN |
(S) JUD | 03/20/2003 | ||
TEACHERS' & NURSES HOUSING/ AHFC LOANS | SENATOR WILKEN |
CHAPTER 126 SLA 03 | 06/18/2003 | ||
STATE EMPLOYEES CALLED TO MILITARY DUTY | SENATORS ELTON, TAYLOR |
CHAPTER 65 SLA 03 | 06/11/2003 | ||
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PRIVATE GROUPS | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) STA | 01/21/2003 | ||
ADULT DAY SERVICES FACILITIES | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) STA | 01/21/2003 | ||
SPECIAL ELECTION FOR U.S. SENATE VACANCY | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) STA | 01/31/2003 | ||
CREDIT INFORMATION | SENATOR FRENCH |
(H) JUD | 05/05/2003 | ||
CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES/PERSONNEL | SENATOR GREEN |
CHAPTER 160 SLA 04 | 07/22/2004 | ||
REPEAT SERIOUS SEX OFFENSES/VICTIM COMP. | SENATOR FRENCH |
CHAPTER 90 SLA 03 | 06/13/2003 | ||
TEACHER CADET PROGRAM | SENATOR LINCOLN |
(S) HES | 03/05/2003 | ||
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CONTRACEPTIVES | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) STA | 03/07/2003 | ||
MINTO FLATS GAME REFUGE & TOWNSITE | SENATOR LINCOLN |
CHAPTER 168 SLA 04 | 07/26/2004 | ||
STATE VETERANS' HOME | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) CRA | 03/10/2003 | ||
APPROP: STATE VETERANS' HOME | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) CRA | 03/10/2003 | ||
VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) STA | 03/10/2003 | ||
NURSE EDUC LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM | SENATOR FRENCH |
(S) FIN | 05/07/2003 | ||
CIVIL LIABILITY FOR DEFIBRILLATOR USE | SENATOR OLSON |
CHAPTER 120 SLA 03 | 06/18/2003 | ||
INSURANCE POOLING BY BUSINESSES | SENATOR TAYLOR |
(S) L&C | 04/22/2003 | ||
MINORS DRIVING AFTER CONSUMING ALCOHOL | SENATOR COWDERY |
CHAPTER 128 SLA 04 | 06/29/2004 | ||
HATE CRIMES/DISCRIMINATION/TOLERANCE PROG | SENATOR LINCOLN |
(S) FIN | 05/07/2004 | ||
HIGH SCHOOL COMPETENCY EXAMS/DIPLOMAS | SENATOR GUESS |
(S) HES | 02/13/2004 | ||
APPROP: LONGEVITY BONUS | SENATOR FRENCH |
(S) HES | 01/12/2004 | ||
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS | SENATOR FRENCH |
TRANSMITTED TO (H) | 05/10/2004 | ||
AVALANCHE AWARENESS MONTH | SENATOR GREEN |
LEGIS RESOLVE 7 | 04/24/2003 | ||
SOBRIETY AWARENESS MONTH: MARCH 2003 | SENATOR STEVENS B |
LEGIS RESOLVE 2 | 04/24/2003 | ||
ENDORSING ANWR LEASING | SENATOR WAGONER |
LEGIS RESOLVE 4 | 03/27/2003 | ||
DESTROY BRADY BILL RECORDS | SENATOR WAGONER |
LEGIS RESOLVE 21 | 08/25/2003 | ||
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE RESOLUTION | SENATOR GREEN |
LEGIS RESOLVE 20 | 08/25/2003 | ||
NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR GAMES | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) CRA | 03/10/2003 | ||
SUPPORTING HALIBUT BYCATCH PROJECT | SENATOR STEVENS G |
LEGIS RESOLVE 14 | 05/08/2003 | ||
COMMEMORATING SEN. FRANK FERGUSON& OTHERS | SENATOR OLSON |
SENATE RESOLVE 4 | 06/23/2004 | ||
DISAPPROVING EXECUTIVE ORDER 107 | SENATOR ELTON |
(S) STA | 03/10/2003 |