Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better
April 15, 2012
Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future
JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: A Fast-Moving Update on Bills on the Go
March 28, 2012
Simply put, there are a lot of bills moving and very few weeks left of session. Through extended committee meetings and late night floor sessions, bills are flying through committees, sometimes taking on an ever-so-different look than when they were originally introduced. Here are a few of the more prevalent bills gaining attention around the building and throughout communities statewide to keep you up-to-date. These are important bills that align with the priorities I have worked on this session: Education, Energy, and the Economy.
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Legislative Report Shows School Funding Has Lagged 5% Behind Inflation Since Governor Parnell Took Office
March 26, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2012
This week the House Finance committee will take up whether to increase school funding this year, including House Democratic calls that funding keep up with inflation. “The Governor has given salary and benefit increases to every one of his own agencies for increases in inflation. He should do the same for students,” said Rep. Les Gara (D-Anch.).
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Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: $9.5 Billion and Still Missed Opportunities
March 16, 2012
Last night the Alaska State House passed a $9.5 billion operating budget, the largest operating budget in Alaska’s history. This budget pays for general day-to-day activities state agencies, the University of Alaska, education etc. Given its size, as you can imagine, it includes lots of good and important things as well some pork.
I am disappointed about missed opportunities to put our vast wealth into meaningful opportunities for Alaskans.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Taking Your Marbles & Going Home? Tsk Tsk. The Budget & Higher Ed Scholarship Debate
March 15, 2012
This week we are debating the operating budget. It’s roughly 4% higher than last year, and while I work in a GOP-controlled House, I also believe in trying to find common ground when I can. I don’t believe in the worst we see from Washington, D.C., where many members reflexively oppose measures sponsored by members of the opposite party.
If you want knee jerk politics, there are plenty of people nationally you can idolize. Those people – whether on the state level, or in Congress where folks constantly filibuster to prevent votes and debate, and the ability for compromise, get nothing done. And they harm the constituents they take an oath to represent.
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