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.”

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.

Interior Delegation Sends Letter Opposing Potential Alaska Military Base Closures

Today, the Interior Delegation sent a letter to the United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta expressing support for keeping Alaska’s military bases open and fully operational. The letter is in response to Secretary Panetta’s announcement of two more rounds of potential base closures through the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

“The military bases in Interior Alaska are of unique importance to our communities and our nation. It is absolutely imperative they are kept open and maintained at a strong capacity,” said Interior Delegation Chair Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks).

House Bill 308 “Study Cook Inlet to Fairbanks Gas Pipeline”

Alaska is a state replete with natural resources. However, despite our substantial access to oil, gas, and minerals, many parts of the state suffer extremely high energy costs.

ith one company claiming a large potential new gas find in Cook Inlet and significant new exploration interest in the region, there could be enough gas to meet Southcentral and Interior needs.

Rep. Miller Calls for Facts on Getting Cook Inlet Gas to Fairbanks

If gas is there, it could be the cheapest, fastest way to lower Fairbanks energy costs

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks) introduced legislation (HB 308) to study the potential for meeting Fairbanks and Interior energy needs by building a small-diameter natural gas pipeline from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks.

“If there’s as much gas there as some think, a small pipeline from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks could be the cheapest, fastest long-term solution for lowing energy costs in Fairbanks,” said Rep. Miller. “But we won’t know unless we do our homework first.”

Democrats Work to End Unlimited Campaign Spending

Legislation would make Alaska a leader in national effort to rein in big-money politics

(JUNEAU) – Today, 13 House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at scaling back rules allowing corporations, wealthy donors, and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money, sometimes in the millions, to get candidates elected. Companion resolutions (HJR 33 and SJR 13) introduced today in the Alaska House and Senate call for a federal constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United case that opened the corporate and union campaign spending floodgates. A separate House bill would return Alaska’s right to limit corporate contributions by making corporations not considered “persons” for purposes of Alaska election law.

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.

Democrats: Today’s Resources Build Tomorrow’s Opportunity; Democratic Response to the State of the State shows vision for Alaska

JUNEAU – In her response to the governor’s state of the state speech tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau) told Alaskans that Alaska must use today’s resources to build tomorrow’s future.

“You’ve elected us to lead, and it’s our job to lead in a way that honors Alaska’s courageous spirit by using today’s resources to build tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Rep. Kerttula.

Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Hello from Juneau; Focus; Stay in Touch; Looking Forward;

Hello from Juneau! The 2012 Legislative Session is only a few days in, but the busy schedule has already kicked into high gear. You can expect regular newsletter updates from me throughout the session, updating you on meetings I have, bills I’m sponsoring, and other legislative activity.

I will continue to sit on four committees: Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce, Fisheries, and Military and Veterans Affairs. I am anxious to continue the work begun last year, and to keep focus on those issues most important to those of us lucky enough to live in Fairbanks!

Interior Delegation to Host Holiday Open House to Hear from Public

Interior Delegation Chairman Representative Bob Miller, along with the rest of the Interior Delegation, will host a holiday Open House for the public. The Open House is scheduled for Monday, December 19th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Fairbanks Legislative Information Offices (Fairbanks LIO), 3rd Floor, 1292 Sadler Way across from the Home Depot.

“This will be a great opportunity for the people of Fairbanks to meet with the whole Interior Delegation before we head down to Juneau in January,” said Miller. “As legislators, we want to hear from you directly to know what’s on your mind.”