Rep. Sam Kito III’s Newsletter: Less Than Ten Days to Go
April 11, 2014
The pace here in the Legislature has picked up considerably with only a little over a week to go. With the passage of the operating budget from both houses, and establishment of the operating budget Conference Committee, we are now under the 24 hour rule which means committees can schedule bill hearings with 24 hour notice. We have also started having floor sessions into the evening, working our way through bills and resolutions. Some major pieces of the “end game” are in play including the capital budget, the education bill and the natural gas pipleline bill. There is still some question about whether we will be able to complete our work before the statutory session deadline of April 20th.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Too Little, Too Late
April 11, 2014
Working late into the night Monday, the House had its long awaited debate on the education bill, House Bill 278. In January, the Governor introduced an omnibus education bill and deemed this session the “education session.” At the time, I did not believe the bill did enough for our public education system. After Monday night, I continue to believe we have not done enough for our children, teachers, and schools.
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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: The Education Session
April 10, 2014
This week, my colleagues and I in the Alaska House worked late into the night to provide opportunities to our children by offering fixes to House Bill 278, the omnibus education bill, the major legislation of the year pertaining to our public education system.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Thumbs Down and Thumbs Up: Education Cuts; Free Dental Clinic Fri & Sat
April 9, 2014
I remembered my promise to you: a short synopsis for those who have lives to lead; and a longer explanation for those of you who want details and not snippets. Here goes on an education bill that leads to three more years of teacher and classroom cuts, and, on a brighter note, this Friday and Saturday’s FREE dental clinic dentists have organized to help our neighbors in need. Spread the word – on one or both of these issues!
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Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Education and Capital Projects
April 9, 2014
As of last night, the Legislature will be on fast forward. The Senate appointed their conference committee members on the Operating Budget, which invokes the 24-hour rule. This rule allows bills to move very quickly through the legislature. It’s a way to make sure we get things done, but it’s also an opportunity for bad legislation to move forward without the usual scrutiny.
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