April 15, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Democrats on Education Proposal:
Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better

Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.

“We’ve said from day one that Alaska must make a lasting commitment to education and that it cannot allow inflation to eat into our children’s educational opportunities,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). “This proposal gets us about halfway to meeting losses to inflation from the last two years, and around half of the money is committed for future years as well as this year. So we’ve come a long way forward since the governor laid out his budget, but even with this, schools will still have to make cuts this year. And unless we take action early next year, our students will still have to bear the burden of inflation next year in years to come.”

While failing to keep up with inflation and limiting half of the resources to only one year, House Democrats still found many provisions to applaud. The proposal makes ongoing commitments to pupil transportation and vocational education and includes two proposals advocated for by Democrats. The Parents as Teachers program provides tools to parents who want to get involved in their children’s education and the package also commissions an outside assessment to guide the Legislature in how to best improve and fund Alaska’s schools.

“Parents as Teachers is an inexpensive and effective way to help parents get involved in their children’s education before the kids get to kindergarten,” said Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) who has led efforts to promote Parents as Teachers in Alaska. “With the support Parents as Teachers gives, both children and parents are better prepared for success throughout the students’ school careers.”

“We know we at least need to keep our schools’ resources up with inflation, but it’s important we don’t just throw money at education,” said Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) whose HB143 called for keeping Alaska’s per-student funding up with inflation for the next three years and directed the Department of Education and Early Development to develop a plan for how to best provide resources to Alaska’s schools afterward. “I’m pleased that we will now get reliable advice on how to improve our schools and get them the resources they need to build on their successes.”

“We’re proud of moving the end result this year in that direction, but it doesn’t go far enough and we’re going to face more cuts next year because of it,” said Rep. Kerttula. “In the end, keeping up with inflation and giving schools more fiscal certainty is better for our schools and better for Alaska’s children.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2012

House Democrats Mourn the Loss of Representative Carl Gatto

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the passing of Representative Carl Gatto:

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Representative Carl Gatto. Carl’s friendship went beyond politics. He was an intelligent man who loved doing the people’s work in the Legislature. He never let passions over an issue interfere with his genuine respect for and kindness to his colleagues, constituents and anyone he came in contact with. We will miss his smile, kindness and humor, and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, his family and all who are mourning his loss today.”

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April 11, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska's Housing Economy

"We need to take charge to guarantee Alaska's housing market stays strong"

This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 269, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes that will ensure housing projects in the state keep moving forward.

Currently, an unintended glitch in state law could cause projects to stall out if their timeline runs a little too long. The obsolete provision was adopted in 1986, but has been updated nationally since 1994. HB 269 would update Alaska's law to the national standard.

"Alaska's housing market has not been hit as hard as the lower 48's," said Rep. Holmes, "But we need to take charge to guarantee that it stays strong. If a development project stalls out, it means Alaska loses jobs."

Right now, when a development project timeline runs out without all phases of the project completed, it is next to impossible to extend the rights to finish the project. HB 269 lowers the threshold required to extend those rights, which will allow developers to complete projects, benefitting communities and the local economy.

"We need to act proactively to keep Alaska's economy moving forward," Holmes said, "Passing HB 269 will help developers complete housing projects—that means jobs for Alaskans."

HB 269 passed 35 to 1 and now goes to the State Senate for consideration.

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