Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Memorial Day: A Recognition of Our Military Men & Women
This weekend we take time to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation. My Grandfather served in World War II and my brother more recently during the Gulf War. We have a debt of gratitude to those who have served our country. While I always support a peaceful solution to any conflict, I also stand by our military men and women for their service when conflict is unavoidable. To the military men and women who have made this sacrifice, we thank you for your dedicated service and commitment to our country.
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NEWS: 8th Annual Mountain View Street Fair will be Held June 11 in Conjunction with World Refugee Day
Juneau – Now in its 8th year, the Mountain View Street Fair in Anchorage brings together residents, artists, performers, and service providers to celebrate Mountain View’s character and draw attention to the amazing work taking place throughout neighborhood. New this year is a partnership with Catholic Social Services to host World Refugee Day in conjunction with the street fair on Saturday, June 11th.
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NEWS: Legislative Session Ends Without a Budget as Special Session Looms
Juneau – Tonight, the Second Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature came to a close without any significant action to address the ongoing fiscal crisis brought on by the sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production. The House and Senate Majorities both failed to pass the FY 2017 Operating Budget.
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NEWS: Last Minute Assault on Public Education Hits School Children
Juneau – As the Second Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature reaches the constitutionally mandated end of session, lawmakers and advocates for a healthy K-12 public education system are reeling from a surprise cut to public education. On Tuesday night, the House and Senate Operating Budget Conference Committee slipped a $50 cut to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) into the proposed FY 2017 budget in violation of funding promised by state law.
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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Anti-Sex Ed Measure Passes, Wednesday Testimony on Oil and Gas Subsidies & Criminal Justice Reform
I’m still in Juneau, and we are working almost exclusively on the budget. I say almost because Representative Keller was able to bring up House Bill 156, that aims to end sex education, in a last minute procedural maneuver and get the one vote he needed for it to pass. This controversial bill received strong opposition statewide and hundreds wrote or testified to ask for a no vote. Most opposition discussed how critical this information is if we ever want to address our chronically high rates of sexual assault. Our rate of rape in Alaska far exceeds the national average.
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