Democrats’ Resolution Calls on Governor to Opt-Out of No Child Left Behind

“The federal program has never worked for Alaska. It’s time we set our own standards”

JUNEAU – Today, Rep. Bob Miller and three other Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives introduced a resolution (HJR 39) calling on the state of Alaska to opt-out of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program and to develop its own Alaska-appropriate education standards.

“No Child Left Behind was a federal mandate that never worked for Alaska,” said Rep. Miller. “It’s time we develop our own Alaska-appropriate standards and get out from under this federal program that set too many of our schools up to fail.”

Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Save the Date – Feb. 19th Constituent Meeting

This week, I am sending this newsletter reminding you to join Senator Joe Thomas, Representative David Guttenberg, and me for a constituent meeting this weekend at the West Valley High School Library. It will take place on Sunday, February 19th, from 1-3 PM.

These get-togethers are one of my favorite parts about being a legislator, as they provide a great opportunity for us to talk directly with you. I hope you’ll stop by, have a cup of coffee, and then share some of your thoughts and ideas about what’s going on in Juneau.

Democrats Call on Governor to Make Stronger Commitment to Education

Keeping up with inflation allows schools to focus on where to improve, not where to cut

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats called on the governor to join them in an effort to prevent Alaska’s school districts from having to make more cuts in the classroom due to inflation. The legislators sent a letter to the governor earlier today requesting that he be open to meeting school district needs by increasing the per-student allocation enough to cover the costs of inflation.

Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Cook Inlet Gas; Parents and Teachers; Other Legislation;

Hello from Juneau! The 2012 Legislative Session is in full swing, and here is a brief rundown of some of the work I have been doing for you.

Last week, I introduced HB 308, a bill which will restart the process of developing a gas line from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks and the Interior. While we work to create a gas distribution system throughout Fairbanks, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get us the gas and energy savings we need.

Rep. Miller Introduces Bill to Help Parents Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences

No one should have to choose between their job and their kid’s education

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks) introduced legislation to make it easier for parents to attend parent-teacher conferences so they can stay involved in their children’s education. The bill (HB 315) would allow parents to take up to four hours a year of unpaid leave to attend parent-teacher conferences without having to worry about losing their job.

“No one should have to choose between keeping their job and getting involved in their children’s education,” said Rep. Miller. “The more we can help parents get involved and stay involved, the more likely their children are to succeed in school and in life.”

House Bill 315 “Parent Teacher Conferences”

As the legislature continues to focus on better educating our children, one constant remains: no one is more important to a child’s education than his or her parents. It is vital that parents play an active role in educating their kids. HB 315 will allow parents to take two hours of unpaid leave twice a year to attend parent-teacher conferences so they can get involved and stay involved in their children’s education without fear of losing their jobs.

Interior Delegation Sends Letter Opposing Potential Alaska Military Base Closures

Today, the Interior Delegation sent a letter to the United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta expressing support for keeping Alaska’s military bases open and fully operational. The letter is in response to Secretary Panetta’s announcement of two more rounds of potential base closures through the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

“The military bases in Interior Alaska are of unique importance to our communities and our nation. It is absolutely imperative they are kept open and maintained at a strong capacity,” said Interior Delegation Chair Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks).

House Bill 308 “Study Cook Inlet to Fairbanks Gas Pipeline”

Alaska is a state replete with natural resources. However, despite our substantial access to oil, gas, and minerals, many parts of the state suffer extremely high energy costs.

ith one company claiming a large potential new gas find in Cook Inlet and significant new exploration interest in the region, there could be enough gas to meet Southcentral and Interior needs.

Rep. Miller Calls for Facts on Getting Cook Inlet Gas to Fairbanks

If gas is there, it could be the cheapest, fastest way to lower Fairbanks energy costs

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks) introduced legislation (HB 308) to study the potential for meeting Fairbanks and Interior energy needs by building a small-diameter natural gas pipeline from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks.

“If there’s as much gas there as some think, a small pipeline from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks could be the cheapest, fastest long-term solution for lowing energy costs in Fairbanks,” said Rep. Miller. “But we won’t know unless we do our homework first.”

Democrats Work to End Unlimited Campaign Spending

Legislation would make Alaska a leader in national effort to rein in big-money politics

(JUNEAU) – Today, 13 House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at scaling back rules allowing corporations, wealthy donors, and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money, sometimes in the millions, to get candidates elected. Companion resolutions (HJR 33 and SJR 13) introduced today in the Alaska House and Senate call for a federal constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United case that opened the corporate and union campaign spending floodgates. A separate House bill would return Alaska’s right to limit corporate contributions by making corporations not considered “persons” for purposes of Alaska election law.