Representative Kapsner Speaks on Priorities for Rural Alaska

     Representative Mary Kapsner (D-Bethel) spoke at the Native Issues Forum on Wednesday. To an audience of 200 or more, she talked about Bush priorities. As House Bush Caucus chair, people are always asking, "What are your priorities?" Bush communities want what everyone in Alaska wants-quality schools, safe water and sanitation, public safety, affordable power and opportunity for economic enterprise. They don't want any more or less than anyone else. She asked for help in communicating rural needs to others in the state. "We have a common future," Kapsner said. "Why not make it a good one?"

Senator Hoffman and Representative Croft
Work to Clean Up Budget Mess

     Senate Bill 283, introduced by Senator Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel), and House Bill 413, introduced by Representative Eric Croft (D-Anchorage), is legislation eliminating the collateral damage caused by the simple majority vote at the end of the 2003 legislative session to access the Constitutional Budget Reserve. Last year there was an unprecedented partisan move by the Majority to empty small pots of money that are dedicated to funding things such as the marine highway system, the Alaska Historical Commission, Tobacco Cessation, and others, to help fill the budget gap. These bills will reverse that move and protect these entities from their loss of funds. Senate Bill 283 will be heard in Senate Finance on February 2nd at 10:00 am and House Bill 413 will be heard in House Finance on February 3rd at 1:30 pm.

Representative Croft Works to Reduce Class Size in Alaska's Schools

     House Bill 361, introduced by Representative Eric Croft (D-Anchorage), addresses the excessive class sizes in Alaska's public schools by appropriating $35 million to be used only for direct classroom instruction. This money shall not be used for materials, building or administrative purposes that, while important and often necessary, dilute the funds available to hire the teachers Alaska needs. This money is specifically to hire teachers and teacher assistants. Many national and statewide studies show a direct relationship between smaller class sizes and improved academic performance. House Bill 361 will be heard in the House Education Subcommittee on February 3rd.

Upcoming Events-

Friday, January 30th_ Representative Ethan Berkowitz will address NEA Alaska's (National Education Association Alaska) 48th annual Delegate Assembly in Anchorage. The Delegate Assembly will focus on the critical issue of adequate funding for Alaska's schools as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Tuesday, February 3rd_11 am -12pm (public testimony from 11:15-12) and
Thursday, February 5th_11 am - 1pm (public testimony only if carry over from Tuesday)- The House Education Committee has formed a subcommittee tasked to hear all the current Base Student Allocation proposals, and to come up with a number for consideration by the main committee. Rep. Gara will sit on the subcommittee.

Wednesday, February 4th_12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.- "Stop Fiscal Hemorrhaging in Health Services A discussion of how to decrease health cost drivers: Chronic Conditions and Crisis Prevention", Butrovich Room, State Capitol. Statewide Teleconference. For more information, contact Representative Cissna's Juneau office at 1-800-922-3875

Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward