APRIL 11, 2014

Representing District 15:
Midtown, University, and East Anchorage

I Answer to You!

Contact my office:
State Capitol Room 430
Juneau AK, 99801
(907) 465-4939
(800) 465-4939
 
Click here to write me an email
 
Click here to visit my website
 
  

Write a Letter to the Editor
submit your 175 word letter to the Anchorage Daily News via e-mail letter@adn.com, or fax them to 258-2157, attn: letters to the editor.

Contact other elected officials

Governor Sean Parnell
907-269-7450
EMAIL: Gov. Sean Parnell

Senator Mark Begich
907-271-5915
EMAIL: Sen. Mark Begich

Senator Lisa Murkowski
907-271-3735
EMAIL: Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Congressman Don Young
907-271-5978
EMAIL: Rep. Don Young

Too Little, Too Late

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Working late into the night Monday, the House had its long awaited debate on the education bill, House Bill 278. In January, the Governor introduced an omnibus education bill and deemed this session the "education session." At the time, I did not believe the bill did enough for our public education system. After Monday night, I continue to believe we have not done enough for our children, teachers, and schools.

Children at a rally to increase the Base Student Allocation (BSA) on the Capitol steps

We have put millions of dollars into studies for mega projects such as the Knik Arm Bridge, the Susitna-Watama dam, and we have decided to reject billions in federal revenues for Medicaid expansion. Yet, the rhetoric for adequately funding public education is "our revenues are decreasing," and "this is just unsustainable." I agree that throwing money at the problem is never the solution. However, as a public school teacher, I know that education deserves to be a funding priority.

House Bill 278 dramatically changed as it moved through the committee process. Various bills were incorporated into the original version of HB 278 without adequate study or public comment. When it went to the House Floor the bill had significant flaws. Fundamentally, it forces schools into a fourth straight year of teacher cuts, increased class sizes, and cancelled programs. 

Offering my amendment to remove the “back door” provision to a voucher system by deleting the part of the bill that gives tax breaks to private religious schools

My colleagues and I offered several successful amendments that included some major fixes to the bill. Yet, many issues remain that will need continued attention and effort.  Again, most importantly, schools will not have enough resources to avoid teacher and program cuts for another year in a row. 

I have prepared a short summary outlining the successful and unsuccessful amendments to the bill.

Successful amendments to House Bill 278:

• Removing provisions that would have stretched out payments to the teachers' retirement fund for decades, rather than paying them off sooner. This would have ultimately led to billions in additional future costs and harmed our state credit rating. (I voted “yes”)

• Restoring a component of state education funding that compensates for economies of scale and higher costs in rural Alaska. This amendment also provided a one-time grant to schools of $30 million. (I voted “yes”)

• Allowing highly skilled students to test out of certain subjects, saving money and students' time and effort. (I voted “yes”)

Amendments to House Bill 278 that failed:

• Removing a "back door" voucher provision which gives tax breaks to private religious schools. This is an unconstitutional provision of the bill. (I voted “yes”—which means “get rid of these vouchers!”)

• Deleting a section which removes local control from school districts and allows the state to set pay rates and define benefits for rural school employees. (I voted “yes”—which means “keep local control!”)

• Providing a 10 percent boost to charter schools to aid in rent and other facility costs, which they currently must pay themselves. This is unlike other public schools. (I voted “yes”—which means “give charter schools start-up costs!”)

• Fixing a prohibition on the Department of Education adopting federal "Common Core" educational standards. Alaska State Standards already reflect portions of the Common Core (the Anchorage School District has adopted the standards fully) and we do not want to prevent the Department from implementing potentially good policy. (I voted “yes”—there is no need for paranoia about the Common Core!)

• Removing a section that would hold teachers in rural Alaska to lower tenure standards than in urban areas. (I voted “yes”—I think teacher tenure can remain at 3 years, not 6 years!)

• Increasing education funding to a level that would allow schools to reverse the previous three years of teacher layoffs and increased class sizes. (I voted “yes”)

Although we fixed several components of HB 278, I ultimately voted "no" on the bill. There was too much content that negatively affected public education and not enough that helped. (I voted “No!”)

East High School was recently named the most diverse high school in the country, read the article here

As lawmakers we have to ask ourselves what our priorities will be, based on the priorities of those we represent. From the extensive communication I have had with many of my friends and neighbors as well as local educators and administrators, I know supporting public education is a top priority. We cannot afford to miss out on, what I believe, is the best investment we, as a state, can make. Our children truly are our future. I will vote for an education bill that fully supports them.

My wife Donna, who is a second grade teacher at Anchor Lutheran School, Rep. Gara, and Sen. Gardner’s aide, Noah, and I took a very enjoyable hike to the ice caves!

The White House will send congratulatory cards to high school and college graduates. If you’re interested in having your favorite graduate receive one, provide the name, address, and date of graduation along with the high school or college to Senator Begich’s office by emailing leslie_ridle@begich.senate.gov.

Alaska Mission of Mercy is offering free dental services this Friday and Saturday, April 11th and 12th.

What: Free dental clinic

When: Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 a.m.

Where: Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, 600 W. Seventh Ave.

Services offered: Cleanings, fillings, root canals on anterior teeth, extractions, X-rays, some flippers and temporary retainers, oral health education.

For more information visit akmom.org

As always, if I can be assistance to you or your family, please let me know,

I Answer to You!

Sincerely,

Representative Andy Josephson
State Capitol Room 430
Juneau AK, 99801
Phone: 907-465-4939
Rep.Andy.Josephson@akleg.gov