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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HATE CRIMES/DISCRIMINATION/TOLERANCE PROG | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/16/2007 | ||
FELONS' RIGHT TO VOTE | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) JUD | 02/23/2007 | ||
MENTAL HEALTH PATIENT RIGHTS:STAFF GENDER | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 59 SLA 08 | 06/04/2008 | ||
REPEAL SECONDARY SCHOOL EXIT EXAM | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) SED | 01/16/2007 | ||
TRUANCY OFFICERS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) SED | 01/16/2007 | ||
SCHOOL DRESS CODES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 02/21/2007 | ||
RAISE COMP. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) SED | 01/16/2007 | ||
FOSTER CARE AGE LIMIT/TUITION WAIVER | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/16/2007 | ||
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 48 SLA 07 | 07/09/2007 | ||
LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) FIN | 04/06/2008 | ||
RENTAL SECURITY DEPOSITS & PREPAID RENT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) L&C | 01/17/2007 | ||
EXTEND BOARD OF MIDWIVES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) RLS | 03/14/2007 | ||
EXTEND STATE MEDICAL BOARD | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 49 SLA 07 | 07/09/2007 | ||
EDUCATION FUNDING FOR INSTRUCTION | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) SED | 02/19/2007 | ||
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 17 SLA 07 | 05/31/2007 | ||
DENTAL HYGIENISTS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 02/28/2007 | ||
APPROP.: COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/07/2007 | ||
NATUROPATHS | SENATOR DAVIS BY REQUEST |
(S) FIN | 03/21/2008 | ||
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COMPACT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) STA | 03/23/2007 | ||
CRIMES AT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) RLS | 04/25/2007 | ||
STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRES AND SURVEYS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) SED | 04/16/2007 | ||
DEPENDENT HEALTH INSURANCE; AGE LIMIT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 03/26/2008 | ||
MENTAL HEALTH PATIENT GRIEVANCES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/16/2008 | ||
PUBLIC EDUCATION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/03/2008 | ||
MENTAL HEALTH CARE INSURANCE BENEFIT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/16/2008 | ||
CHILDREN'S TRUST GRANT FOR ENDOWMENT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/16/2008 | ||
EXTEND ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 33 SLA 08 | 05/22/2008 | ||
APPROP: ALASKA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 01/16/2008 | ||
AGGRAVATING FACTOR: HOMELESSNESS | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 58 SLA 08 | 06/04/2008 | ||
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) RLS | 04/13/2008 | ||
COMMISSION ON AGING/DHSS DUTIES | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 34 SLA 08 | 05/22/2008 | ||
DOCUMENT PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HES | 02/13/2008 | ||
MEDICAID/ INS FOR CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 04/06/2008 | ||
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN | SENATOR DAVIS |
LEGIS RESOLVE 4 | 09/05/2007 | ||
SUPPORTING RIGHT TO FORM LABOR UNIONS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) L&C | 04/13/2007 | ||
ORDER OF EASTERN STAR COMMUNICATION WEEK | SENATOR DAVIS |
SENATE RESOLVE 5 | 04/12/2007 |
Cosponsored Bills
Bill | Short Title | Prime Sponsor(s) | Current Status | Status Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VOCATIONAL EDUC ACCT/VOC-TECH EDUC | REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN |
CHAPTER 47 SLA 08 | 05/28/2008 | ||
POSTSECONDARY MEDICAL & OTHER EDUC. PROG. | REPRESENTATIVE MEYER |
CHAPTER 5 SLA 07 | 03/28/2007 | ||
INFANTS WHO ARE SAFELY SURRENDERED | REPRESENTATIVES LEDOUX, GRUENBERG, LYNN, HARRIS, NEUMAN, WILSON, DAHLSTROM, GARDNER, OLSON, DOLL, KERTTULA |
CHAPTER 1 SLA 08 | 02/11/2008 | ||
EXTEND BOARD OF MIDWIVES | REPRESENTATIVES KAWASAKI, WILSON |
CHAPTER 12 SLA 07 | 05/11/2007 | ||
ESTABLISHING SUSAN BUTCHER DAY | REPRESENTATIVES GUTTENBERG, KERTTULA, NEUMAN |
CHAPTER 5 SLA 08 | 02/28/2008 | ||
VETERAN INFO ON PFD APPLICATIONS | REPRESENTATIVES GUTTENBERG, DAHLSTROM, KERTTULA |
CHAPTER 90 SLA 08 | 06/13/2008 | ||
TAX CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO VOC ED | REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN |
CHAPTER 48 SLA 08 | 05/28/2008 | ||
PERSONAL INFORMATION & CONSUMER CREDIT | REPRESENTATIVES COGHILL, GARA |
CHAPTER 92 SLA 08 | 06/13/2008 | ||
EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY | REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS |
CHAPTER 1 SLA 07 | 02/20/2007 | ||
CRIMES/ALCOHOL/DRIVERS LICENSES | REPRESENTATIVES SAMUELS, STOLTZE |
CHAPTER 24 SLA 07 | 06/25/2007 | ||
PERM. FUND DIV.: CONTRIBUTION/EXECUTIONS | REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS |
CHAPTER 41 SLA 08 | 05/23/2008 | ||
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL | REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM |
CHAPTER 15 SLA 07 | 05/28/2007 | ||
CRIMES : DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS | REPRESENTATIVE DOLL |
CHAPTER 44 SLA 07 | 07/03/2007 | ||
TASK FORCE RE: COUNCIL ON DOM. VIOL. | REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH |
CHAPTER 43 SLA 07 | 07/03/2007 | ||
REPEAT OFFENDER'S ASSAULTS/ANIMAL CRUELTY | REPRESENTATIVES HOLMES, GARA, DAHLSTROM, FAIRCLOUGH, JOHNSON, BUCH, HARRIS, DOLL |
CHAPTER 96 SLA 08 | 06/16/2008 | ||
COMPASSIONATE GIFT EXEMPTION | REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL |
CHAPTER 2 SLA 08 | 02/13/2008 | ||
2007 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK | REPRESENTATIVE STOLTZE |
LEGIS RESOLVE 5 | 04/27/2007 | ||
ALASKA AIRLINES 75TH ANNIVERSARY | REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS |
LEGIS RESOLVE 12 | 06/12/2007 | ||
STATE'S CONTROL OF NATIONAL GUARD | REPRESENTATIVE ROSES |
LEGIS RESOLVE 6 | 05/28/2007 | ||
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION | REPRESENTATIVE HAWKER BY REQUEST OF JT LEG EDUCATION FUNDING TASK FORCE |
LEGIS RESOLVE 38 | 07/23/2008 | ||
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR DNA TESTING | REPRESENTATIVE ROSES |
LEGIS RESOLVE 39 | 07/23/2008 | ||
INCREASE AMT OF BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION | SENATOR WILKEN |
(S) FIN | 04/04/2007 | ||
ETHICS: EXECUTIVE BRANCH & MUNICIPAL | SENATORS FRENCH, ELTON, MCGUIRE, WIELECHOWSKI, THOMAS, HUGGINS |
(H) JUD | 03/12/2007 | ||
LEGISLATIVE DISCLOSURES | SENATORS FRENCH, ELTON, MCGUIRE, WIELECHOWSKI, THOMAS, HUGGINS |
(H) JUD | 03/12/2007 | ||
WWAMI MEDICAL SCHOOL | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) SED | 02/02/2007 | ||
TUITION FOR OUT-OF-HOME- CARE CHILDREN | SENATOR ELLIS |
CHAPTER 58 SLA 07 | 07/17/2007 | ||
OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX: EXPENDITURES | SENATOR WAGONER |
(H) FIN | 05/11/2007 | ||
TOBACCO SALES/CIGARETTE TESTS & PACKAGING | SENATOR OLSON |
CHAPTER 61 SLA 07 | 07/18/2007 | ||
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(S) FIN | 03/14/2007 | ||
ESTABLISHING A RENEWABLE ENERGY FUND | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) RES | 02/26/2007 | ||
WORKERS' COMP: DISEASE PRESUMPTION | SENATOR FRENCH |
(S) FIN | 02/19/2008 | ||
ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BD ALLOCATION | SENATOR OLSON |
(H) FIN | 05/12/2007 | ||
NAMING PACILLO PARKING GARAGE | SENATOR ELLIS BY REQUEST |
CHAPTER 60 SLA 07 | 07/17/2007 | ||
APPROP: TOURISM MARKETING | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
(S) STA | 03/28/2007 | ||
WORKERS' COMP EMPLOYER LIABILITY | SENATOR FRENCH |
(S) FIN | 02/29/2008 | ||
REDISTRIBUTION OF USED EYEGLASSES;OPT BD. | SENATOR THERRIAULT |
CHAPTER 19 SLA 08 | 04/19/2008 | ||
PEACE OFFICERS/FIRE FIGHTER RETIREMENT | SENATOR FRENCH |
(S) STA | 02/25/2008 | ||
TRAFFICKING/PROSTITUTION/SEXUAL ABUSE | SENATOR DYSON |
(S) JUD | 04/20/2007 | ||
SHIRLEY DEMIENTIEFF MEMORIAL BRIDGE | SENATOR KOOKESH |
CHAPTER 54 SLA 08 | 06/04/2008 | ||
APPROP: STATE MUSEUM RENOVATION/ADDITIONS | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) HES | 04/27/2007 | ||
INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR WELL-BABY EXAMS | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 57 SLA 08 | 06/04/2008 | ||
ALASKA MINIMUM WAGE | SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, THOMAS, ELTON |
(S) FIN | 02/15/2008 | ||
PRESCRIPTION DATABASE | SENATOR GREEN |
CHAPTER 84 SLA 08 | 06/09/2008 | ||
PUBLIC FINANCE WEBSITE | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(H) CALENDAR 4/13 | 04/13/2008 | ||
PURPLE HEART TRAIL | SENATOR ELLIS |
CHAPTER 23 SLA 08 | 05/03/2008 | ||
FILM OFFICE/FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT | SENATOR ELLIS |
CHAPTER 63 SLA 08 | 06/04/2008 | ||
STATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCTS. | SENATOR DYSON |
(S) HES | 02/15/2008 | ||
HOME ENERGY CONSERVATION | SENATOR HOFFMAN |
CHAPTER 73 SLA 08 | 06/04/2008 | ||
CIVICS EDUC/ CITIZENS ADVISORY TASK FORCE | SENATOR STEVENS |
(S) SED | 03/30/2007 | ||
DECORATION OF HONOR | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
LEGIS RESOLVE 36 | 07/01/2008 | ||
GOVERNOR'S SUMMIT ON EARLY LEARNING | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(H) RLS | 04/04/2008 | ||
WASHINGTON CONTAINER FEE | SENATOR HUGGINS |
(S) L&C | 02/14/2007 | ||
MEDICARE RATES IN ALASKA | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
LEGIS RESOLVE 10 | 09/05/2007 | ||
NATURAL GAS FOR STATE RESIDENTS | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(H) RES | 05/10/2007 | ||
SUPPORTING U.S. VETERANS' HEALTH CARE | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
LEGIS RESOLVE 32 | 07/23/2008 |