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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Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: The Curious Case of Senate Joint Resolution 9
March 18, 2014
In politics, education is an issue all its own. It’s not Democrats vs. Republicans, dogs vs. cats, Sharks vs. Jets, pro-life vs. pro-choice, pro-”More Alaska Production Act” vs. anti-”Oil Tax Giveaway.”
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Gasline Talks: Part 1
March 17, 2014
As expected, the Governor’s new gas line proposal has dominated much of the discussion this session. Although the deal is far from complete, and may not ultimately be the best path forward, developing our natural gas reserves is critical to the future of our state. (Put simply, we’re running out of oil and it’s not coming back in familiar volumes—we need a replacement source of revenue!). Throughout this process, it is essential that Alaskans have access to accurate information so a beneficial and transparent deal can be negotiated on the behalf of all Alaskans.
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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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Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: What are those yahoos in Juneau up to now?
March 7, 2014
Like a good story, most legislative sessions have a narrative. Last session’s narrative was simple and wholesome: the passage of a multi-billion dollar tax cut for oil companies. And by golly, we got the job done with SB 21, which passed the Senate 11-9, and fulfilled its unfortunate destiny by a vote of 27-12 on the floor of the House of Representatives at 2:07 a.m. in the wee hours of April 14, 2013. (I was among the dozen dissenters.)
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