Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: The Education Issue
One of the most important functions of the state is to provide for the education of the next generation of Alaskans. The real job is undertaken by parents, teachers, support staff and administration, but it is up to the state to fund that effort. With just over a week to go in session, it finally looks like an increase in education funding has gotten some traction. This may be in part because the revenue forecast that came out this week projected an extra $3.4 billion in surplus revenues over the next two years.
In this newsletter, I’ll talk about education funding, along with a couple of other interesting things that have been happening in the education field this session – parents as teachers and scholarships.
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Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL TOO LATE TO DO MUCH DAMAGE EDITION
NOW The Work Has To Start?
As I have gotten older, my allergy to work has increased. Even in its advanced state, it’s true, my work allergy doesn’t rival that of my boyhood idol, Maynard G. Krebs, who had what looked, on television anyway, like he was having a grand mal seizure every time he heard the word “work”.
But still. The past week has been too much. Here’s a truncated account of the work I’ve done just in the powerful House Finance Committee.
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Who’s Keeping Your Fingerprints? Bill Would Make Sure You Know
Bipartisan bill introduced to protect Alaskans’ privacy from new biometric technology
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) introduced bi-partisan legislation to protect Alaskans’ privacy from the increasing number of organizations collecting, requiring and selling citizens’ fingerprints, retinal or voice patterns, and other biometric information. Republican Representatives Neuman, Dick, Millett and Keller co-sponsored the bill (HB 233) along with Democratic Representatives Kerttula, Gara and Tuck.
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Legislature Creates Alaska Public Gardens Day
Bill would establish day to recognize unique role of public gardens in Alaska
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Legislature established Alaska Public Gardens Day on the Saturday immediately preceding Memorial Day each year. In doing so, the Legislature recognized the role gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship, the economy, education, plant conservation, recreation and research in Alaska.
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Legislature Designates November Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Rep. Petersen’s resolution will raise awareness of deadly disease
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Legislature passed a resolution naming November 2011 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Rep. Pete Petersen introduced the legislation to raise awareness of the deadly disease after a constituent told him of her father’s difficult battle with pancreatic cancer and the relative lack of research and attention the disease gets.
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