Democrats Prioritize Education, Promote Solutions; FOCUS: parent involvement, commitment to districts, lowering cost of college and job training

JUNEAU – The state of Alaska needs to make education more of a priority, House Democrats told reporters at a press conference in the capitol today. House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau), Representative Chris Tuck (Anchorage), Representative Pete Petersen (Anchorage) and Representative Les Gara (Anchorage) outlined their proposals to increase parent involvement in early education, to make sure school districts have the resources they need, and to make college and job training more affordable for Alaskans.

House Democratic Caucus Announces Social Media Pages

Today, the House Democratic Caucus announced its presence on three major social media websites, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The caucus will post timely news, legislative updates, and other points of interest throughout the legislative session and the rest of the year.

Please find us on the following pages:

Facebook: facebook.com/AKdemocrats
Twitter: @AKHouseDems
YouTube: youtube.com/user/AKHousedemocrats

All content is public and available to use for any non-campaign related purpose.

Democrats: Today’s Resources Build Tomorrow’s Opportunity; Democratic Response to the State of the State shows vision for Alaska

JUNEAU – In her response to the governor’s state of the state speech tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau) told Alaskans that Alaska must use today’s resources to build tomorrow’s future.

“You’ve elected us to lead, and it’s our job to lead in a way that honors Alaska’s courageous spirit by using today’s resources to build tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Rep. Kerttula.

Democrats Propose Student Loan Relief; Measure to cut interest rates for Alaskans who put their training to work in Alaska

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) announced that they have pre-filed a bill to reduce the cost of student loans for Alaskans who put their training to work in Alaska.

“For Alaska to be competitive, we need to make sure our workforce gets the training it needs and that our students put their skills to work in Alaska,” said Rep. Guttenberg. “This bill makes it easier for Alaskans to stay here or return to help build our state.”

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Meeting Tonight 8pm; Gathering Feedback- Denali Borough;

Warm temperatures and high winds have brought minor chaos to the Interior. For weather information please visit 511 Alaska by dialing 511 or visiting their website where you can access up-to-date road conditions.

Thank you to our road and emergency crews who have worked around the clock to keep us safe.

** Fairbanks Area Constituent Meeting Thursday December 8th TONIGHT **

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Vote! Interior Veterans Cemetery; PERS/TERS; Gold Hill Bike Path Meeting;

After many years we are finally a step closer to breaking ground on the new Interior Veterans Cemetery. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has slected a new 40 acre parcel off the Steese Highway by Goldmine Trail. This land is already State land and contains signifcantly fewer barriers than the orginal site adjacent to Birch Hill.

This month I attended a meeting with the Department of Natural Resources, Fairbanks Borough, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and other Interior Legislators to discuss the need to move forward on this project. Our veterans and their families shouldn’t have to wait any longer.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Alaska Coastal Zone Management Sunsets; Governor Budget Vetoes Released;

Thank you to everyone that attended our constituent meeting. We heard from many residents on numerous important issues. I apperciate all the feedback and if you weren’t able to make it to the meeting I welcome you to call, write, or visit my office at anytime.

We heard a variety of different issues and concerns from energy projects to air quality. The Govenor had just realeased his vetoes so we were able to have a discussion on what that means for Fairbanks. U.S. Senator Mark Begich called into the meeting to take questions on federal budget action and costal zone management.

Last Wednesday’s meeting was just the first of many we will have. If you live in the Denali Borough we will be headed your way soon.

Democrats Disappointed by Failure to Extend Alaska Coastal Management Program

Program’s demise threatens jobs, development, local control

House Democrats are disappointed today by the unraveling of the special session to retain the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP). Democrats said abandoning the ACMP will directly affect Alaskans by killing jobs, impeding development and decreasing state and local control in Alaska.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: ** Important Public Testimony Information **

The House Finance Committee will be taking public testimony on the Capital Budget, HB 107 tomorrow Wednesday, May 11th from 9am- noon and 1pm-4pm.

To testify please go to the Fairbanks LIO located at 1292 Sadler Way in the Alaska USA building next to Home Depot.

For more information please contact the LIO at 452-4448.

Rep. Guttenberg on BP spill settlement

“The integrity of the pipeline depends on the integrity of the companies running it. I’m still skeptical that at the end of the day these fines will make much of a difference. BP thinks these fines are a cost of doing business. If they had taken proper care of the pipeline like they say they do, these spills would never happen.”