DECEMBER 15, 2016

Catching Up, New Majority & Restorative Justice Summit

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It's my first newsletter since the last month's election. What a busy month it has been! We've formed a new majority, hosted our Restorative Justice Summit, and I spoke at the Western Legislative Academy.

I'm proud that following the election I joined 21 other House members in forming a new majority coalition. The 30th Alaska State Legislature has some big issues to face and with our new, diverse caucus, I feel we are well-armed to serve the citizens of our state. Our new House Speaker, Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham, is the first House Speaker from off the road system since before statehood. http://www.alaskapublic.org/2016/11/25/rural-lawmakers-wield-power-without-recent-precedent/ Bryce and I have worked together over the years on issues like child abuse prevention and healthy Alaskan salmon. I'm very much looking forward to working more closely with him and think he'll make a great leader for the House.

By coming together as the “House Majority Coalition” - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are committed to working together to solve our fiscal challenges. I am proud to say I am one of the Co-Chairs of the House Resources Committee, along with my colleague, Rep. Andy Josephson. I've been serving on the Resources Committee for four years and have been deeply involved in oil and gas policy. We have unfinished work to do to correct our oil and gas tax system so it works at low prices and that will be a priority as we develop a sustainable fiscal plan.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SUMMIT

My first summer in the legislature I attended a workshop session that discussed what's described asthe "school to prison pipeline." I was very supportive of the criminal justice reform efforts we were undertaking for adults because we knew what we were doing wasn't working. As I sat in the workshop that day and learned about the research linking school discipline policies to adult incarceration I knew we had to add restorative justice to the criminal justice reform discussion. Since 2013 I've visited schools that have adopted restorative practices both in Alaska and outside, interviewed students and teachers using restorative practices, and interviewed dozens of educators in Alaska about their own experiences. As someone who has been teaching for almost twenty years, I know my first priority is to keep my students safe. I would never suggest using policies that would compromise classroom safety and I am not advocating for that now. I am suggesting there are circumstances where different school discipline policies could work better and create better outcomes. For example, when a student is suspended or expelled, they are not in school learning and in some cases are getting in trouble for other bad behavior. As an alternative, restorative practices have been shown to hold students accountable for their bad behavior while also keeping them in school, restore relationships where harm has been caused, and create safer and more successful school communities.

To bring together important stakeholders to discuss restorative practices, I hosted the first annual Restorative Justice Summit December 2& 3. What an incredible event!
https://www.ktva.com/lawmakers-school-board-consider-alternative-approach-classroom-discipline-972/ We had attendees from all over Alaska, from Fairbanks, Valdez, Nome, North Pole, Palmer, Wasilla, Sitka, Juneau, and Anchorage. The response was overwhelmingly positive. The educators in attendance demonstrated the deep commitment to student success that I find inspirational.

We had Restorative Justice Practitioner and Leader Kerri Berkowitz and UAF Faculty Jeff May as keynote speakers. And, in what can only be described as powerful, we heard from students in the Step Up Program in Anchorage. The Step Up Program is a partnership between the Anchorage School District and the Division of Juvenile Justice. The program uses restorative practices and the students spoke honestly and passionately about things that had happened in their lives and how the school was giving them a second chance. Everyone in attendance was moved by their words and courage to share. I am committed to doing everything we can to get kids on the right path.

As we closed out the Summit, one of the attendees remarked how inspired they were from the event and that they hoped we'd continue hosting additional meetings. I felt the same and will be working on restorative justice policies in the upcoming session.

Attendees work in small groups to discuss school environment and restorative practices.

Rep. Tarr with presenter Kerri Berkowitz and Kristin Garot,
principal of Yaakoosge Daakahidi Alternative School

UAA STUDENTS HOST PANEL ON IMPACTS OF UNIVERSITY CUTS

I attended the UAA student panel discussion “Cutting Smart” where legislators were able to hear from students on how the UA budget cuts are impacting them. Students from various disciplines shared their perspective on the loss of quality professors and how that undermines the value of their education. Students are considering what their “contingency plans” will be if they cannot afford tuition in the future, such as joining the military, or going to a less-expensive, but out-of-state school. These are not the decisions our students should be having to make. It is imperative that we continue to support our university system because a strong university is key to a strong economy. I will work hard in Juneau to oppose additional cuts that will cause harm.

Student Sage Stroud presents to legislators about criminal justice reform.

Rep. Tarr at UAA “Cutting Smart” discussion

Below is some information from the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources regarding cutting down trees on state and public land.

How to harvest an Alaska-grown Christmas tree

‘Tis the season for harvesting Christmas trees on state and other public lands in Alaska.

DNR offers multi-agency maps and information for harvesting Christmas trees in Southcentral and Interior Alaska at http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pic/christmastree.htm.

Here are some guidelines for safe, legal cutting of Christmas trees on public lands:

· The Alaska Division of Forestry allows Alaska residents to cut Christmas trees on state lands that are open for cutting. The maximum tree height is 15 feet and the limit is one tree per household. Cut trees as low to the ground as possible.

· Properly identify land ownership where you intend to cut your tree. If you have any questions regarding land ownership, consult your Division of Forestry area office.

· Cutting trees in all state parks and experimental forests is prohibited.

· The Division of Forestry does not maintain forest roads and individuals should be prepared to travel on rough, snow-covered roads. Anyone traveling on forest roads should have appropriate gear and equipment in the event they become stuck. This includes tire chains, a shovel, tow strap and warm clothing.

· Christmas trees cut on state land are for personal use only and may not be sold.

· Do not litter and be courteous to other tree cutters and/or residents who live in the area.

Anyone with questions can call the DNR Public Information Centers in Anchorage (907-269-8400) or Fairbanks (907-451-2705).

As we prepare to head to Juneau, I am finalizing my personal legislation. I will share ideas in an upcoming newsletter. If you have ideas please get in touch!

Sincerely,

Representative Geran Tarr