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.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: We’re Back in Session!

The Alaska Legislature reconvened in Juneau today for the second half of the 27th Legislature. We look forward to a productive session.

I am lucky to have both James R. Waldo and Mike Coumbe returning to my office this year. We will be here for the next 90 days, and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issues facing the state.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Holiday Greeting and Photo

Holiday Photo

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.

Holmes to Meet with U.S. President, White House Officials

Meetings to include policy briefs, Presidential Reception

Anchorage—Representative Lindsey Holmes travels to Washington D.C. this week to meet with senior White House and Administration officials, followed by a reception with President Obama in the White House. The discussions will cover such critical topics as the economy and energy policy. Rep. Holmes is part of a small group invited to this unique event as a member of the Young Elected Officials Network.

Rep. Kawasaki to Address Young Elected Officials in Washington D.C.

200 young elected officials from across the U.S. to discuss policies, leadership

Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Representative Lindsey Holmes (D-Anchorage) will join more than 200 young elected officials from across the country in Washington, DC at the sixth annual convening of the Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network. The YEO Network Convening is the largest gathering of young progressive elected leaders in the country. From June 2-5, young leaders will share their experiences, policy initiatives, and best practices and build a lasting network with other young elected officials from across the country.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Back in Anchorage! Special Session Recap;

In the waning days of the special session, common sense prevailed. After weeks of stalemate we were able to pass both an operating and a capital budget and adjourn.

During the special session we also passed HB 24 reauthorizing the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, HB 126 reauthorizing a number of other boards, and SB 42 which allows the Alaska Energy Authority to pursue new renewable energy projects.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Special Session Update

Today is day 16 of the special legislative session. Much to my disappointment, the Legislature remains in a stalemate over the capital budget, with Senate and House leadership and the Governor all digging in their heels. The main point of contention is language in the Senate’s version of the budget that ties together a large number of energy projects across the state by saying that if the Governor vetoes one or more of the projects, he effectively vetoes the entire package of energy projects.