NEWS: Legislation Introduced to Allow Schools, Hospitals, and Senior Centers in Alaska to Serve Donated Fish and Game
April 1, 2015
JUNEAU-Today, eight legislators in the Alaska House of Representatives introduced HB 179 to allow Alaskans to donate sport- and subsistence-harvested fish and game to nonprofit meal programs, such as those in schools or senior centers. The bill allows schools and senior centers (and other nonprofit meal programs) to serve the fish and game – such as moose, caribou, venison, and salmon – in their meal programs to elders, school children, and other Alaskans. The sponsors believe that schools and senior centers should be legally allowed to have the option of serving Alaskans caribou instead of corn dogs.
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Rep. Tuck: Action Alert: Final Chance to Weigh in on Operating Budget and School Funding
March 28, 2015
Dear Neighbors, As we approach the final days of the first session of the 29th Alaska Legislature major decisions are being made at a rapid pace and I want to make sure you are kept informed about your right to be heard.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Alaska’s Fiscal Reality & Upcoming Events
March 27, 2015
Well, another week has come and gone here in Juneau. While the Senate is dealing with the Operating Budget and Senate Bill 30 (Marijuana Criminal bill) the House continues to work on its own legislation. This week I heard proposals to: raise hunting and fishing licenses for residents and non-residents; create a Marijuana Control Board; require labeling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s), among other different issues. There is seldom a moment to spare now that session is almost over, but I want to make sure that I mention to you a couple of events that might peak your interests.
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News: Proposed Cuts to Public Education Funding Dangerous and Unacceptable
February 25, 2015
Juneau – Education is Alaska’s best investment and the members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition adamantly object to a proposal to reduce public education funding by over 18 percent. The House Finance Budget Subcommittee for the Department of Education and Early Development approved the FY 2016 budget proposal Tuesday night despite the objections of Rep. Sam Kito III (D-Juneau) and Rep. Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan).
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NEWS: New Report: 2014 Education Law, 2015 Budget Proposals Lag Education Far behind Inflation Cost Increases
February 23, 2015
Juneau - A new legislative research report requested by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) shows that public education funding will fall behind inflation next school year, under either the GOP’s three year plan passed last year, or the Governor’s proposed revisions. A number of school districts will likely cut teachers and other educational staff under both proposals. These cuts come on top of the loss of over 600 staff in Alaska’s largest school districts in fiscal years 2011-2014.
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