Dear Neighbors,
I think winter might be over. I flinched when I said that, but I think it’s true. It must be, because I’m off to take a few days to go fishing. But before I leave, I wanted to give you a few updates – one for your heart, and one for your wallet.
Read More →Two steps: Replace GOP Board with non-partisan expert; develop non-partisan process for 2022
Today Representative Les Gara and Senator Hollis French (both D-Anchorage) called for two steps to stop the abusive practice of partisan redistricting, or “gerrymandering,” and ensure all Alaskans get fair representation in the state legislature. The current partisan-based Redistricting Board is over a year overdue and its inability to draw a fair plan forced Alaskans to vote under an unconstitutional plan in 2012.
Read More →Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) released the following statement in response to the Anchorage School District announcement that it is canceling summer school programs this summer due to budget restrictions.
Read More →Okay, it’s time I walked the talk. Do politicians ever do that? Are we allowed? Um. Yes.
This week I gave away my favorite laptop to the Laptops for Foster Youth program we started with Facing Foster Care in Alaska a few years ago. They will work with the State to match that laptop with a foster youth or recent alumni pursuing college or success in the job market. Foster youth will do, well, what kids do with laptops.
Read More →Rep. Kerttula and Rep. Gara comment on the signing of the oil wealth giveaway
Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) and Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) issued the following statements in response to the governor signing Senate Bill 21, the oil wealth giveaway, into law.
Read More →House Democratic Legislators comment on Alaska’s waiver from No Child Left Behind
Today, five Democratic legislators from the Alaska House of Representatives released the following comments on Alaska receiving a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2012, nine House Democratic legislators sponsored a resolution (HJR39) calling on the Parnell administration to apply for these waivers to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure student success and school accountability.
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