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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BD OF EDUC REPORT/LEGIS TASK FORCE | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 14 SLA 11 | 05/27/2011 | ||
FUNDING FOR SCHOOL MEALS | SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, ELLIS, DAVIS, EGAN, FRENCH, KOOKESH, MCGUIRE, MENARD, PASKVAN, THOMAS |
(H) FIN | 03/07/2011 | ||
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY | SENATORS DAVIS, EGAN, ELLIS, FRENCH, WIELECHOWSKI |
(S) RLS | 03/23/2012 | ||
PREKINDERGARTEN SCHOOL PROGRAMS/PLANS | SENATORS DAVIS, FRENCH |
(S) FIN | 02/29/2012 | ||
FELONS' RIGHT TO VOTE OR BE JURORS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/23/2012 | ||
STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRES AND SURVEYS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) HSS | 03/21/2012 | ||
RAISE COMP. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE/TRUANCY | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) EDC | 03/29/2012 | ||
REPEAL SECONDARY SCHOOL EXIT EXAM | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) EDC | 01/19/2011 | ||
HATE CRIMES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 02/28/2011 | ||
EXTEND BOARD OF NURSING | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 02/04/2011 | ||
STATE VENDING LICENSES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) L&C | 02/10/2012 | ||
MENTAL HEALTH CARE INSURANCE BENEFIT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) HSS | 01/19/2011 | ||
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) RLS | 04/15/2012 | ||
P-16 EDUCATION COUNCIL | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) EDC | 01/19/2011 | ||
MENTAL HEALTH PATIENT RIGHTS & GRIEVANCES | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/23/2012 | ||
EDUC. FUNDING: BASIC/SPEC NEEDS/TRANSPORT | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) EDC | 01/28/2011 | ||
PUBLIC RETIREE MED. BENEFITS: DEPENDENTS | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/16/2011 | ||
FOSTER CARE LICENSING/STATE CUSTODY | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 59 SLA 12 | 06/11/2012 | ||
SECOND VERSE OF ALASKA'S STATE SONG | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) JUD | 04/15/2011 | ||
MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT FOR FAMILY THERAPY | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) FIN | 03/23/2012 | ||
SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION TRAINING | SENATOR DAVIS |
CHAPTER 34 SLA 12 | 05/23/2012 | ||
THIRD-PARTY CHARGES ON TELEPHONE BILLS | SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, DAVIS, EGAN |
(S) RLS | 04/02/2012 | ||
INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) EDC | 01/17/2012 | ||
GAS PIPELINE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION | SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, EGAN, ELLIS, FRENCH, DAVIS, KOOKESH |
(S) RES | 03/02/2012 | ||
LABORATORY SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL LICENSING | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) L&C | 01/17/2012 | ||
MISSING VULNERABLE ADULT RESPONSE PLAN | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) RLS | 04/14/2012 | ||
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION/MILITARY WIDOW(ER) | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) CRA | 01/30/2012 | ||
LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) RLS | 02/22/2012 | ||
UNIFORM RULES: PRESIDING OFFICER PRO TEM | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) STA | 03/05/2012 | ||
GIRL SCOUTS 100TH ANNIVERSARY | SENATOR DAVIS |
LEGIS RESOLVE 37 | 08/08/2012 | ||
CONST AM: ATTY GENERAL; GENERAL COUNSEL | SENATOR DAVIS |
(S) JUD | 01/19/2011 | ||
NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM | SENATOR DAVIS |
(H) RLS | 04/12/2012 |
Cosponsored Bills
Bill | Short Title | Prime Sponsor(s) | Current Status | Status Date | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSIONS | REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN |
CHAPTER 12 SLA 11 | 05/27/2011 | ||
EXTEND SENIOR BENEFITS/INCOME ALLOWANCES | REPRESENTATIVE HAWKER |
CHAPTER 6 SLA 11 | 05/02/2011 | ||
SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL MEMBERS | REPRESENTATIVES FAIRCLOUGH, GARDNER, HERRON |
CHAPTER 33 SLA 12 | 05/23/2012 | ||
OCC. LICENSES: TEMPORARY/FEES/PAWNBROKERS | REPRESENTATIVES THOMAS, HERRON, FEIGE |
CHAPTER 25 SLA 11 | 06/27/2011 | ||
SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING DEV. FUND GRANTS | REPRESENTATIVES EDGMON, HERRON, FOSTER, JOULE |
CHAPTER 8 SLA 12 | 04/24/2012 | ||
MEDICAL PROVIDER INCENTIVES/LOAN REPAYM'T | REPRESENTATIVE HERRON |
CHAPTER 25 SLA 12 | 05/22/2012 | ||
HANDLING OF STATE FLAG | REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON |
CHAPTER 5 SLA 11 | 04/28/2011 | ||
NAMING WALTER J. HICKEL EXPRESSWAY | REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON |
(S) RLS | 04/13/2012 | ||
DECEASED VETERAN DEATH CERTIFICATE | REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG |
CHAPTER 69 SLA 12 | 06/18/2012 | ||
VETERAN DESIGNATION ON DRIVER'S LICENSE | REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER |
(S) FIN | 04/06/2012 | ||
BULK FUEL LOANS/POWER PROJECT FUND | REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON |
CHAPTER 46 SLA 12 | 05/28/2012 | ||
NAMING MARK HUFFORD TRAIL | REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH |
CHAPTER 30 SLA 11 | 07/25/2011 | ||
SALES OF NICOTINE PRODUCTS TO MINOR | REPRESENTATIVE SEATON |
CHAPTER 43 SLA 12 | 05/24/2012 | ||
ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD DAY | REPRESENTATIVES LYNN, THOMPSON, SADDLER |
CHAPTER 10 SLA 12 | 04/30/2012 | ||
RENEWABLE ENERGY GRANT FUND | REPRESENTATIVES THOMAS, P.WILSON, MILLETT |
CHAPTER 12 SLA 12 | 05/02/2012 | ||
MILITARY TRAINING CREDIT/TEMP. LICENSE | REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS |
(S) SUP CAL 4/15 | 04/15/2012 | ||
ESTABLISH ENDOW ALASKA GRANT PROGRAM | REPRESENTATIVE AUSTERMAN |
(S) FIN | 04/10/2012 | ||
STATE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM | REPRESENTATIVE HERRON |
CHAPTER 24 SLA 12 | 05/22/2012 | ||
MILITARY FACILITY ZONES | REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON |
CHAPTER 20 SLA 12 | 05/16/2012 | ||
DISCLOSURE OF CHILDREN'S RECORDS | REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ |
CHAPTER 38 SLA 12 | 05/24/2012 | ||
WAIVE CDL SKILL TEST FOR CERTAIN VETERANS | REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER |
(S) SUP CAL 4/15 | 04/15/2012 | ||
SENIOR CITIZEN PROTECTIONS | REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ |
LEGIS RESOLVE 14 | 07/19/2011 | ||
VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS | REPRESENTATIVE SEATON |
LEGIS RESOLVE 16 | 07/19/2011 | ||
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH | REPRESENTATIVE COSTELLO |
LEGIS RESOLVE 7 | 07/19/2011 | ||
DECORATION OF HONOR | REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER |
LEGIS RESOLVE 22 | 07/19/2011 | ||
TSA SCREENING PROCEDURES | REPRESENTATIVE TUCK |
LEGIS RESOLVE 4 | 07/19/2011 | ||
AMERICAN HEART MONTH | REPRESENTATIVE P.WILSON |
LEGIS RESOLVE 39 | 08/08/2012 | ||
ENDORSING ANWR LEASING | REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT |
LEGIS RESOLVE 25 | 07/19/2011 | ||
OPPOSING ANWR WILDERNESS DESIGNATION | REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT |
LEGIS RESOLVE 5 | 07/19/2011 | ||
SUPPORT ARCTIC CAUCUS | REPRESENTATIVE HERRON |
LEGIS RESOLVE 10 | 07/19/2011 | ||
RELOCATE COASTAL VILLAGES REGION FUND | REPRESENTATIVE SEATON |
LEGIS RESOLVE 15 | 07/19/2011 | ||
BLM LEGACY OIL WELL CLEAN UP/AWARENESS | REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT |
LEGIS RESOLVE 30 | 09/12/2012 | ||
COAST GUARD ICEBREAKERS & ARCTIC BASE | REPRESENTATIVE HERRON |
LEGIS RESOLVE 32 | 08/08/2012 | ||
LOWER PARK FEE FOR DISABLED VETERANS | SENATOR FRENCH |
(H) FIN | 04/12/2012 | ||
TAX/CREDIT:FILM/OIL & GAS/GAS STOR./CORP. | SENATOR ELLIS |
CHAPTER 51 SLA 12 | 05/30/2012 | ||
AIDEA: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY/ INTEREST RATE | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 60 SLA 12 | 06/12/2012 | ||
DISPOSITION OF SERVICE MEMBERS' REMAINS | SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, PASKVAN, COGHILL |
CHAPTER 1 SLA 11 | 03/11/2011 | ||
SMALL BUSINESS REVOLVING FUND | SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, ELLIS, PASKVAN, MCGUIRE, MENARD, THOMAS |
(S) FIN | 02/09/2011 | ||
IMMUNITY FOR PROVIDING SURVEILLANCE VIDEO | SENATOR THOMAS |
(S) STA | 01/19/2011 | ||
ALASKA HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE | SENATOR FRENCH |
(S) RLS | 02/03/2012 | ||
AUTISM: INS. COVERAGE, TASK FORCE | SENATOR ELLIS |
CHAPTER 63 SLA 12 | 06/27/2012 | ||
GRANTS FOR SENIORS' MEDICAL CARE | SENATOR FRENCH |
(H) L&C | 04/08/2011 | ||
PERS TERMINATION COSTS | SENATOR PASKVAN |
(H) L&C | 04/11/2012 | ||
APPROP: UNIV. ENGINEERING BUILDINGS | SENATOR ELLIS |
(S) FIN | 04/08/2011 | ||
SPC. STEPHEN "MAX" CAVANAUGH OVERPASS | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 19 SLA 11 | 06/08/2011 | ||
PFD ALLOWABLE ABSENCE: MILITARY | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(S) STA | 03/30/2011 | ||
SCHOOL SPORTS/ INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITIES | SENATOR MEYER |
CHAPTER 49 SLA 12 | 05/29/2012 | ||
TEACHERS & PUB EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS | SENATOR EGAN |
(H) L&C | 04/15/2012 | ||
ALASKA NATIVE LANGUAGE COUNCIL | SENATOR OLSON |
CHAPTER 48 SLA 12 | 05/28/2012 | ||
VETERANS DRIVERS LICENSE, TAX CREDIT | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
CHAPTER 68 SLA 12 | 06/18/2012 | ||
ALASKA PENSION TRUST RESERVE FUND | SENATORS ELLIS, WIELECHOWSKI |
(S) STA | 01/17/2012 | ||
APPROP:AK PENSION TRUST RESERVE/PERM FUND | SENATORS ELLIS, WIELECHOWSKI |
(S) FIN | 01/17/2012 | ||
STATE IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM | SENATORS GIESSEL, OLSON |
(S) RLS | 02/29/2012 | ||
MILITARY TRAINING CREDIT | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(H) MLV | 02/06/2012 | ||
FETAL ALCOHOL SPEC. DISORDER AS MITIGATOR | SENATOR MEYER |
CHAPTER 54 SLA 12 | 06/21/2012 | ||
SUSITNA STATE FOREST/TONGASS FOREST | SENATOR MENARD |
(H) RES | 04/12/2012 | ||
VOCATIONAL ED. COUNSELING IN SCHOOLS | SENATOR THOMAS |
(H) FIN | 04/02/2012 | ||
CARE DIRECTIVES/DO NOT RESUSCITATE ORDERS | SENATOR DYSON |
(S) JUD | 02/01/2012 | ||
PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHY | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
(H) L&C | 04/13/2012 | ||
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FUNDING FACTOR | SENATOR MEYER |
(H) FIN | 03/26/2012 | ||
ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM & VOUCHERS | SENATOR THOMAS |
(H) L&C | 04/10/2012 | ||
CRIMES/SENTENCING/PAROLE/VICTIMS | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
CHAPTER 70 SLA 12 | 06/19/2012 | ||
PERS CREDIT FOR MILITARY SERVICE | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
(S) FIN | 03/30/2012 | ||
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS DAY | SENATOR MEYER |
LEGIS RESOLVE 11 | 07/19/2011 | ||
WALTER HICKEL DAY OF THE ARCTIC | SENATOR FRENCH |
LEGIS RESOLVE 42 | 08/08/2012 | ||
DECORATION OF HONOR | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
LEGIS RESOLVE 35 | 08/08/2012 | ||
LIMIT FEDERAL INTERVENTION IN STATE | SENATOR DYSON |
LEGIS RESOLVE 13 | 07/19/2011 | ||
URGING US TO RATIFY LAW OF THE SEA TREATY | SENATOR WAGONER |
(S) RES | 03/01/2011 | ||
MILITARY PERSONNEL CUTS & BASE CLOSURES | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(H) RLS | 03/28/2012 | ||
COAST GUARD ICEBREAKERS & ARCTIC BASE | SENATOR OLSON |
(S) RLS | 02/29/2012 | ||
MILITARY PENSIONS | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
(H) RLS | 04/06/2012 | ||
ARCTIC COUNCIL TASK FORCE | SENATOR MCGUIRE |
LEGIS RESOLVE 29 | 03/19/2012 | ||
URGING FUNDING FOR ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE | SENATOR KOOKESH |
SENATE RESOLVE 2 | 02/23/2011 |