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.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Operating Budget Heats Up

Plus: Coastal Management Hearing on Monday

I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who came and testified in the House Finance Committee this week. It is not easy to speak before the Legislature and everyone did a wonderful job. Hear what they had to say below.

I’m pleased to announce that legislation to reinstate the Alaska Coastal Management Program will be heard in House Resources on Monday (more below).

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.

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: End of Session – Maybe; Pieces of the End Game Puzzle

The last day of session is supposed to be Sunday April 17. However, there’s been some speculation that we won’t be able to finish in time. That all depends on whether or not the House and the Senate can come to an agreement about the capital budget and some other key items. At the end of session, a few key things need to fall into place as the final pieces of the puzzle. This year, the end game is centering around the operating and capital budgets, oil and gas taxes, coastal zone management, performance scholarships and education funding.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: The Education Issue

One of the most important functions of the state is to provide for the education of the next generation of Alaskans. The real job is undertaken by parents, teachers, support staff and administration, but it is up to the state to fund that effort. With just over a week to go in session, it finally looks like an increase in education funding has gotten some traction. This may be in part because the revenue forecast that came out this week projected an extra $3.4 billion in surplus revenues over the next two years.

In this newsletter, I’ll talk about education funding, along with a couple of other interesting things that have been happening in the education field this session – parents as teachers and scholarships.