Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Public Budget Testimony Opportunity, New Bills, University Under Attack
February 25, 2016
As we near the halfway mark of the session, the legislature bears down on the budget. The next couple of weeks will be a critical stage in the budget process as the House Finance Committee hears public testimony next week before heading to the House floor.
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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: University Facing Drastic Cuts: Here’s How You Can Be Heard
February 23, 2016
I’ve heard from almost 100 of you in the past few days opposing the proposed $60 million cut to the University of Alaska. These draconian cuts would greatly affect the way the university functions. They would cause hundreds of layoffs, severely hamper our research abilities, and have a massive impact on our local economy.
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OP-ED: Why we should be investing in early childhood education during a budget crisis
February 14, 2016
Everyone is talking about numbers this session. Alaska’s budget deficit is nearly $3.5 billion. The Republican-led majority threatens to cut an additional $1 billion from state government spending. Over $3 million is slated to be cut from early childhood education, which would decimate effective programs like Parents as Teachers, the Imagination Library, and pre-k in Alaska.
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NEWS: Presentation on Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences Study Tonight
February 8, 2016
Juneau – Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) is joining several organizations focused on the health and well-being of children in sponsoring a presentation this evening in Juneau about the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. The guest presenter will be Dr. Vincent Felitti, co-Principal Investigator of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. The study was a collaborative research program between the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program and the Centers for Disease Control.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Are You Earthquake Prepared? Some Useful Safety Tips
February 2, 2016
Every day I talk to legislators in both parties to see if we can build a bi-partisan fiscal plan. I’m trying to keep things calm. I’m trying not to say “no,” even to proposals that cause me concern. A fair compromise will have to include elements most members don’t love. Compromise involves principled give and take. I’m listening to everyone’s ideas, and hoping enough members of the Republican majority will also be willing to put together a balanced, fair, bi-partisan fiscal plan.
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