NEWS: Administration Confirms: Much Larger BSA Increase Needed to Fill Education Shortfalls
March 20, 2014
JUNEAU – A new analysis of Parnell administration data confirms Alaska’s school districts need between three and six times the amount of the governor is proposing to increase per-student classroom funding in order to fill budget gaps for next school year. Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) released the analysis today as the House Finance Committee considers the governor’s omnibus education bill and other education measures.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Saturday Legislative Update: Eat Pizza, Grab Our Ear
March 19, 2014
Please join me and Senator Johnny Ellis for a Legislative Session update, and a slice or two or three of pizza this Saturday, from 12pm to 2pm at the Fairview Recreation Center. We’d like to hear from you, and give you an update on what we’ve been working on
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Note from Rep. Gara: Education: Tuesday Testimony, OK with “1,000 Cuts”?
March 17, 2014
As someone who grew up in foster care, I know strong schools give everyone, rich and poor, opportunity. Cutting teachers, career counselors, and other educators damages opportunity and harms our goal of developing a well-educated workforce.
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NEWS: Democrats Move Pro-Job, Public Education and Cost-Saving Budget Amendments
March 13, 2014
JUNEAU – Today, Alaska House Democratic legislators offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to improve public education, promote workforce development, and trim wasteful spending.
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NEWS: House Democrats Comment on Withdrawal of Governor’s Controversial Appointee
March 13, 2014
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) released the following statements upon hearing Dennis Mandell had withdrawn his name from consideration for the Alaska Assessment Review Board after concerns were raised about his residency, his history of working for the oil industry in disputes against Alaska, and his failure to pay taxes.
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