JANUARY 24, 2014  

Session Has Started

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Democratic Caucus jokingly waving good-bye to Rep. Kerttula

This is only the first week of session and there is already so much excitement to share with you!

As you may have heard, my very good friend and colleague, Representative Beth Kerttula of Juneau, is stepping down from her position as House Democratic Leader and leaving her seat in the Legislature for an amazing opportunity at Stanford University. She has always had a strong passion for oceans work and beginning February 3rd, she will be Visiting Fellow at the University’s Center for Ocean Solutions. I am so excited that she has the opportunity to do something else that she loves and I wish her all the best.

This session, I’ve introduced legislation on topics I’ve discussed with you before, such as my GMO Labeling legislation. I am also presenting a bill to implement Erin’s Law in Alaska. Erin Merryn is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and is working to ensure that every state has a law requiring children and educators to learn how to recognizes signs of abuse and speak up if they have experienced unsafe touching. Next, there is strong democratic support behind the extension of the Senior Benefits payment program so that seniors do not take the brunt of budget shortfalls and remain capable of caring for themselves.

Other issues I am involved with this session are:

1. Encouraging an Alaska Preference for locally grown agriculture and fisheries products;

2. Creating Earned Sick Leave for employees who do not have this option in their employment contract;

3. Recreating the Commission on the Status of Women;

4. Providing nursing mothers a safe place to breastfeed in the workplace;

5. As a long-time teacher, I am a staunch supporter of our Alaska school system and will be working hard with other Democrats to ensure that this Legislature has an open conversation about education, so that we have resources that you can count on. I want to make a lasting commitment to education as a necessary investment in our future as Alaskans.

I encourage you to e-mail me with your particular concerns or letters of support for the work that we are doing. It is my honor to represent you and your interests, and your input is invaluable.

Sincerely,

Representative Geran Tarr