House Bill 37 Sponsor Statement: Child Care Centers in State Office Buildings

Link to the House Bill 37 sponsor statement from the office of Representative Beth Kerttula

House Bill 111 Sponsor Statement: Production Before Reduction

Link to the House Bill 111 Sponsor Statement from the Office of Rep. Beth Kerttula

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Save Our Schools

Alaska’s children are facing attacks on their education this year - from eroding foundation funding to vouchers to early education cuts. On Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to make your voice heard on these issues in a hearing hosted by Alaska’s Democratic Legislators from 1-3 p.m. in Room 203 at the Capitol Building. See the flyer below for more information.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Budget Cuts in Critical Programs

Cuts Target Programs that Most Benefit Our Economy

There are certain milestones that mark the passage of the legislative session. Passing the Operating Budget over to the Senate is one of those milestones. Yesterday, I voted against passage of the budget because I felt that the cuts imposed by the majority-led subcommittees cut some of the most critical programs that provide great benefit to our economy.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

NEWS: Democratic Amendments: Invest in Education Now, Proven Payoff Later

Even with amendments, total budget would still be less than governor’s

JUNEAU – Today on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives, Democratic legislators offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to save Alaska money by investing wisely in its human resources today. If each amendment passed, the total budget would still be smaller than that proposed by the governor.

NEWS: Revealed: Cost of “Ticking Time Bomb” in Latest Oil Giveaway Proposal

Up to 20% of barrels already slated for production would get extra breaks for new oil

JUNEAU - According to the Department of Revenue’s draft fiscal note, one out of five barrels of oil the department already expects to see produced will receive extra tax breaks ostensibly for new oil under the latest Senate Finance Committee version of the governor’s oil tax proposal.

NEWS: Democrats Move to Restore Education Opportunities for Alaska Students

Budget amendments would stave off teacher layoffs, pre-K cuts, and University class wait-lists

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to stave off teacher layoffs, restore preschool funding, and help the University of Alaska meet the demand for its most popular classes.

House Bill 139 Sponsor Statement: Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Link to the sponsor statement from the office of Representative Beth Kerttula

NEWS: Democratic Leaders Applaud Senator Begich’s Remarks

Senator’s focus on education, Arctic and results well received

JUNEAU – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) released the following statements following U.S. Senator Mark Begich’s address to the Alaska Legislature.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: It’s Time to Focus on Education; Also: Budget Public Testimony Next Week

Today is the 46th day of the 90-day session. We’re just past the half-way mark and still there hasn’t been an open discussion on how to improve Alaska’s schools. It’s high time we did so.

Next week, you’ll have the opportunity to provide your opinion on the operating budget before the House Finance Committee. Also next week, U.S. Senator Begich will address the Legislature. See below for details.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.