"ABUSE" is not a campaign slogan

Note: The writer of this letter was initially misattributed as Sen. Pete Kelly. We apologize for the error.

What is Senator Pete Kelly's problem? Apparently, he doesn't want to keep our kids safe or be re-elected.

Relationship abuse is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner. Further this includes behaviors that harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want to. This control can also include; mental, emotional and physical force, taking away money, privileges, assets, staff, etc. Victims often don't know what to do or where to get help, but sometimes there are "Heroes" to help them escape the abuse.

HB-214, naming Teen Dating Violence Prevention Education in Alaska as "Bree's Law", is widely supported by the legislature, stakeholders and the public with over 20 people speaking in committee and dozens of letters, all positive support. It passed the house unanimously with 27 co-sponsors and is now in the senate with 14 of 20 co-sponsors. No other bill has this much support. The Bree's Law teen dating violence prevention work we have done is showing results. Since 2015, reported cases in Alaska are nearly in half, a reduction of over 1,500 victims in 2017 alone. There are many abusers in Alaska, at times where you'd least expect.

In his attemps to kill Bree's Law, Senate President Pete Kelly sent HB-214 to the Judiciary Committee, where his friend, Senator John Coghill, chairs, controls and even bullies, this committee, at times slamming down the gavel and storming out when he loses even a single amendment vote or if a committee member asks a question that displeases him. Coghill would not hear or move HB-214, surely killing it. But three Judiciary members, Senators Costello, Wielechowski and Shower, "got help" and decided they would no longer be victimized and controlled by their abusers. They decided to stop the abuse of others as well, even if it was at their own expense. They are called "Hero's."

In an unprecedented move, not done since 1990, they went "Rule #48" on their abuser. Giving a letter to Senate President Pete Kelly, requiring Coghill to hear the bill. But at the hearing, Coghill slammed down the gavel and stormed out with Kelly. By default Bree's Law went to the Senate Floor for a vote and it certainly would pass, Right? Not so fast.

We all believed the abuse was over, but the day it was to go on the senate floor, Senate President Kelly jumped up and re-directed Bree's Law to Senate Finance, a bill with no cost.

No problem, 5 of the 7 Finance members are co-sponsors and will vote to pass it, yet Senate Finance Chair Anna MacKinnon has stopped the bill for 3 weeks. She will not take a vote and the session is about to end. Why is Senator MacKinnon holding this bill? Sources in Juneau tell me, she has "Been Told" by Senator Kelly not to move this bill from her committee.

I believe Senator MacKinnon is trying to help pass the bill, but is being pressured by Senator Kelly not to. It sure feels like Bree's Law and the safety of our children in Alaska are being abused by Senator Kelly. The first step in stopping abuse is to recognize it, the second step is to take action to stop it. This is precisely why bills have co-sponsors, who have promised their support to pass the bill, if they are needed, they are there help.

The co-sponsors are; Meyer, Begich, Costello, Egan, Gardner, Hughes, Shower, Wielechowski and Wilson. The 5 on Finance who move the bill are: Senate Majority Leader Peter Micciche, Senators Bishop, Olson, von Imhoff and Stevens. Who will be Hero's?

Adding Bree's name to the education further promotes and raises awareness and there is no downside. Not passing this bill, is a public safety issue. This bill is about protecting our kids and educating them to keep them safe. Who doesn't like saving the lives and the futures of our children? You might want to ask Pete Kelly this question. His number is 907-465-3709.

Senator Anna MacKinnon and the 14 co-sponsors have the power to pass Bree's Law which has 100% support from the house, 100% positive testimony by Stakeholders and the public and 1,500 less teenage victims in 2017 alone.

It's time to take action! "Stop the Abuse" and "Pass the Bill".

"Don't Be Afraid To Save Someone's Life"

Bree's Dad, Butch Moore

If you want to help, you can sign the petition asking the Senate to pass Bree's Law. https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/support-brees-law