Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Cook Inlet Gas; Parents and Teachers; Other Legislation;
Hello from Juneau! The 2012 Legislative Session is in full swing, and here is a brief rundown of some of the work I have been doing for you.
Last week, I introduced HB 308, a bill which will restart the process of developing a gas line from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks and the Interior. While we work to create a gas distribution system throughout Fairbanks, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get us the gas and energy savings we need.
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Rep. Miller Introduces Bill to Help Parents Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences
No one should have to choose between their job and their kid’s education
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks) introduced legislation to make it easier for parents to attend parent-teacher conferences so they can stay involved in their children’s education. The bill (HB 315) would allow parents to take up to four hours a year of unpaid leave to attend parent-teacher conferences without having to worry about losing their job.
“No one should have to choose between keeping their job and getting involved in their children’s education,” said Rep. Miller. “The more we can help parents get involved and stay involved, the more likely their children are to succeed in school and in life.”
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House Bill 315 “Parent Teacher Conferences”
As the legislature continues to focus on better educating our children, one constant remains: no one is more important to a child’s education than his or her parents. It is vital that parents play an active role in educating their kids. HB 315 will allow parents to take two hours of unpaid leave twice a year to attend parent-teacher conferences so they can get involved and stay involved in their children’s education without fear of losing their jobs.
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Committee Passes Waste-to-Energy Resolution
Turning local garbage into energy could be common sense solution for Alaska communities
JUNEAU – Today, the House Special Committee on Energy passed a resolution urging support for turning garbage into energy for Alaskan communities. According to the resolution (HCR 10), waste-to-energy technologies using municipal solid waste have been successfully used around the world and in at least 24 states in the United States to produce energy and reduce landfills.
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Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Fairness for Local Property Tax Payers; Internship Opportunity!
You have probably heard about the recent controversy surrounding property tax exemptions for teachers and employees of religious organizations. Representative Berta Gardner and I feel this situation is unfair to other taxpayers, and have introduced House Bill 305, the Property Tax Fairness Act, to fix it.
In 2006, the Legislature significantly broadened the definition of religious property by including exemptions for the residence of “an educator in a private religious or parochial school.” This legislation also expanded the definition of “minister” and broadened the ordination standard for ministers. It also made these tax exemptions mandatory for all Alaska municipalities.
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