Democrats’ Resolution Calls on Governor to Opt-Out of No Child Left Behind
“The federal program has never worked for Alaska. It’s time we set our own standards”
JUNEAU – Today, Rep. Bob Miller and three other Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives introduced a resolution (HJR 39) calling on the state of Alaska to opt-out of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program and to develop its own Alaska-appropriate education standards.
“No Child Left Behind was a federal mandate that never worked for Alaska,” said Rep. Miller. “It’s time we develop our own Alaska-appropriate standards and get out from under this federal program that set too many of our schools up to fail.”
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Rep. Petersen Bill Would Allow Repayment of Energy Upgrades on Utility Bills
Bill would make it easier for Alaskans to pay off loans for upgrades that lower their energy bills
JUNEAU – Rep. Pete Petersen introduced legislation this week to allow Alaskans to pay off home energy upgrades with the savings they earn on their utility bills from the improvements.
“With energy costs as high as they are these days, we need to do everything we can to make it easier for Alaskans to make their homes more efficient and lower their energy bills,” said Rep. Petersen.
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Protecting Public Access To Alaska’s Fishing Streams: HB144 Moves Out of Committee
Today Representative Les Gara’s legislation to ensure future public access to Alaska’s fishing streams, House Bill 144, moved from the Senate Resources Committee. The bill passed the House last year with a vote of 38 Yeas, and tonight passed the Senate Resources Committee.
“We hope the next step is a vote on the Senate Floor, and believe the bill has the support to pass,” said Rep. Les Gara. House Bill 144 will inexpensively promote access to important fishing streams by encouraging voluntary land trades or purchases with willing landowners.
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Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Issues People Care About
Who says people don’t follow what’s going on in our state? This past Saturday, the Anchorage Caucus (comprised of Anchorage-area legislators) held a public meeting to hear from people about whatever was on their minds – and then later, Senator Ellis and I held a constituent meeting for our district. The first hearing was standing room only in the Assembly Chambers and I truly appreciated the thought and preparation people put into their testimony.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Catch the Wave - Responsible Stewardship of the Oceans
Living in Juneau, I am reminded every day how important the health of the ocean is to our community and our state. The ocean contributes to Juneau’s spectacular beauty and amazing recreational opportunities and supports commercial fishing and tourism, which are both important parts of our economy.
I’m proud to be able to dedicate this newsletter to recent advancements in our responsible stewardship of the oceans.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.
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