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.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau News: Education is Our Future

I was disappointed when the governor listed education sixth in his State of the State address.

Alaska must make education a top priority. This really came home to Juneau last week with the announcement that 66 positions would be cut from our Juneau School District. The House Democratic Caucus is working hard to stop cuts like this.

Education and vocational training are the keys to opportunity, and I’m excited about the legislative package the House Democratic Caucus has this year. We are working to improve Alaskans’ education opportunities from their preschool years until they join the workforce and beyond.

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.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau News: First Day of Session Pictures

Here are some pictures from the first day of session – a busy but fun day!

I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau News: Capitol Shows Signs of Life as Session Approaches

Taku Task Force Meetings, Prefiled Legislation Released

We’re just 11 days away from the beginning of the second session of the 27th Alaska State Legislature. Today the cross-gulf ferry arrived with several legislators and staff aboard, the first wave of “leggies” that will soon fill the halls of the capitol building. What was yesterday a sleepy building with only a few offices open on each floor is now buzzing. Boxes of computers and office files will soon fill the halls as everyone unpacks for the session. It is an exciting time of year and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and getting to work!

Last night, the Taku River Fact Finding Task Force formed by the Juneau Legislative Delegation met for the first time and I’ll share a little about that and future meetings with you in this newsletter.

Today, the first batch of prefiled legislation was released for review and I’ll give you a link and some highlights.

From Rep. Beth Kerttula: Wishing You Happy Holidays!

  Wishing you happy holidays! From Beth, Jim and Cody   Share this via:

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter 2011 Special Edition

Dear friends and neighbors,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent Juneau; it is truly an honor and a pleasure serving you and our beautiful community.

2011 was my thirteenth session with the Alaska State House of Representatives and fifth year as House Minority Leader and I look forward to continuing service in 2012. My seniority and leadership position in the Legislature have allowed me to strengthen and protect Juneau’s interests as I work to help improve our community and our state.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you will find it informative and interesting. If you would like to get regular news updates from me, you can also subscribe to my e-newsletter (email me at Rep.Beth.Kerttula@legis.state.ak.us to sign up).

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Recognizing Our Veterans

Tomorrow is Veterans Day and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the legacy of service and sacrifice these fine men and women have made for our country.

The American Legion Auke Pay Post 25 is sponsoring a Veterans Day ceremony Friday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Centennial Hall. U.S. Coast Guard Commander Matt Jones will be the guest speaker and the 17th District Coast Guard Color Guard will be presenting the colors.

Over the years, I have had the profound honor to meet, work with and become friends with many outstanding veterans. Below you will find just some of their pictures.

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

Experts to Address Iranian Divestment in Alaska — Meeting Scheduled for November 3rd on SB131 and HB241

ANCHORAGE-A panel of experts will meet this Thursday in Anchorage to discuss whether the State of Alaska should join other states and divest from Iran.

It has been argued that companies doing business in Iran enable that country’s regime to continue to their policies of supporting terrorist organizations worldwide, developing nuclear weapons capabilities, and committing human rights violations at home. Senate Bill 131 and House Bill 241, currently being considered by the Legislature, call for the Permanent Fund, state retirement funds, etc., to divest investments from companies that do business in Iranian oil and gas development.