Democrats Prioritize Education, Promote Solutions; FOCUS: parent involvement, commitment to districts, lowering cost of college and job training
JUNEAU - The state of Alaska needs to make education more of a priority, House Democrats told reporters at a press conference in the capitol today. House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau), Representative Chris Tuck (Anchorage), Representative Pete Petersen (Anchorage) and Representative Les Gara (Anchorage) outlined their proposals to increase parent involvement in early education, to make sure school districts have the resources they need, and to make college and job training more affordable for Alaskans.
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Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL SHAVE THE WHALES - AND GIVE THE POLAR BEARS A HAIRCUT - EDITION
I really like Kyle Johansen. At least this week. Johansen, the Republican representative from Ketchikan, introduced a resolution Monday that was both funny and pointed. We see pointed ones all the time. But funny ones are thin on the ground. Very thin.
Now, resolutions don’t pack much punch. One legislator - I forget who - described resolutions as “letters to ourselves.” Since I’ve been in the Leg, we’ve sent many, many, many resolutions to the President and Congress, telling them to stop doing X or to send us a bunch of money for Y. So far as I can tell, the President and Congress have been impervious to our stern but well considered words about X. Unfortunately, they seem to be sending less and less money for Y, too.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau News: Education is Our Future
I was disappointed when the governor listed education sixth in his State of the State address.
Alaska must make education a top priority. This really came home to Juneau last week with the announcement that 66 positions would be cut from our Juneau School District. The House Democratic Caucus is working hard to stop cuts like this.
Education and vocational training are the keys to opportunity, and I’m excited about the legislative package the House Democratic Caucus has this year. We are working to improve Alaskans’ education opportunities from their preschool years until they join the workforce and beyond.
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Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: This Year’s Legislative Priorities
As the 2012 Legislature begins to unfold, I wanted to give you a sense of my goals for this session. All of these ideas have evolved from important conversations with you, my constituents, as well as from community council discussions and what I have learned in legislative committees.
Here is some key legislation I am supporting or sponsoring…
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Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Hello from Juneau; Focus; Constituents; Stay in Touch; Looking Forward;
Hello from Juneau! During the first week of session, the people’s business started right away. New bills were introduced in both houses and committees conducted hearings within the first few days.
We heard from experts testifying about a new technology to get heavy oil out of the ground on the North Slope and down the TAPS pipeline. The Senate Judiciary Committee hosted a crime summit for several days to look at ways to cut crime rates. I had the opportunity in committee to vote in favor of HB 247 which, if it makes it through the full House and the Senate would establish Alaska National Guard Day each July 30th. I expect much more legislation to start coming through committees in the coming days.
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