Rep. Tuck Introduces Bill to Allow Witnesses to Airport Security Pat-downs

“Having a witness at private pat-down searches will prevent inappropriate procedures”

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation (HB 348) to allow travelers to request that a witness be present during private pat-down airport security searches.

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.”

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.

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.

House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Help Alaska Enforce Consumer Protections

“Our State should not have its hands tied waiting for federal enforcement to protect our citizens”

This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 274, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes that will bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

Rep. Guttenberg Introduces Legislation to Help Children Get Health Coverage

”In Alaska no one offers child only plans”

JUNEAU – Today, Representative David Guttenberg (D- Fairbanks) introduced legislation to make sure Alaskans who want to buy health insurance for their children have the opportunity to do so in Alaska. The bill (HB 326) would require insurance companies operating in Alaska to offer child-only health insurance plans. Currently, no health insurance company in the state accepts applications for individual policies for children.

Alaska Legislators Endorse Injunction Against Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Management

Alaska state senators and representatives endorse and commend District Judge Timothy Burgess’ February 2nd order granting a preliminary injunction against Remington Lodging and Hospitality, the Texas based managing company of the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage, in order to provide immediate relief to Alaskan workers from irreparable harm. Further, in light of hotel management’s refusal to comply by filing a motion to stay the Judge’s order, Legislators call upon management to respect Alaskan workers and obey the rule of federal law.

Democrats Call on Governor to Make Stronger Commitment to Education

Keeping up with inflation allows schools to focus on where to improve, not where to cut

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats called on the governor to join them in an effort to prevent Alaska’s school districts from having to make more cuts in the classroom due to inflation. The legislators sent a letter to the governor earlier today requesting that he be open to meeting school district needs by increasing the per-student allocation enough to cover the costs of inflation.

Gara Bill Stops Bogus Bank Foreclosures

(JUNEAU) – Today Rep. Les Gara filed legislation to stop one of the most abusive bank practices since the 2007 recession. “Banks have been taking homes from people who are current on their payments. It’s a national dilemma. It’s time to stop this abuse,” said Gara.

Rep. Gara: Parnell Pumps Money Into All Agencies – Except Education

Proposed budget flat funds education, covers inflation increases for all other agencies

This year Governor Sean Parnell proposes to fund K-12 students at the same level as they were funded two years ago, yet his budget includes increases for every other state agency other than education.

“Freezing school funding to 2010 levels, without recognizing costs have gone up with inflation, translates into a major education cut. The proof’s in the pudding. It is causing schools across the state to plan for layoffs and the end of courses and summer school. The bottom line is that the Governor has granted state employees and bureaucrats inflation increases – just not kids,” said Rep. Les Gara.