Representative
CHRIS TUCK

I want to hear from you, share your thoughts, voice your opinion. Together we will make a difference.

Click here to visit my Website
 
Click here to write me an email

Call me anytime:
   (907) 465-2095
   Toll-Free (866) 465-2095

Visit me:
   January-April
   State Capitol Bldg. Rm. 426
   Juneau, AK 99801
   (907) 465-3810 fax

   May-December
   716 W. 4th St., Ste. 370
   Anchorage, AK 99501
   (907) 269-0242 fax

Contact Other Elected Officials:

Governor Parnell,
Anchorage Office:
907-269-7450
EMAIL: Gov. Sean Parnell

Senator Mark Begich,
Anchorage Office:
907-271-5915
EMAIL: Sen. Mark Begich

Congressman Don Young,
Anchorage Office:
907-271-5978
EMAIL: Rep. Don Young

Senator Lisa Murkowski,
Anchorage Office:
907-271-3735,
EMAIL: Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Elders, Education and Energy

Dear Neighbors,

Today marks the 25th day of the first session of the 27th Alaska Legislature.  We have 65 days remaining to finish this year’s work.  The highlights of my days are meeting with constituents who come to talk about issues close to their hearts and homes.

Taking Care of Our Elders

I have heard from elderly neighbors that the Senior Benefits Program is critical to making ends meet, whether to cover costs from a hip replacement or to buy new shoes in a tough year.  Taking care of our pioneers, those who built our state and our communities, is a priority for me.

Nurse and constituent Mary Stackhouse and Rep. Chris Tuck
talk about nursing regulation changes.

Along with many of my fellow Representatives, I supported and voted for legislation (HB 16, which is identical to my bill, HB 48) to extend the Senior Benefits program.  This monthly cash benefit program assists elders 65 and older on limited incomes.  The bill is now is under review in the Senate.  If approved, the legislation would extend the program through 2015. 

Click here to see a KTUU television story on the bill, featuring one of our neighbors.

Demanding Excellence in Education

Governor Parnell recently submitted SB 43 to establish and fund a performance scholarship.  I served on the Joint Legislative Higher Education Funding Task Force over the last year.  It was striking to hear from so many and from around Alaska, that not only is college becoming more unaffordable, but students simply aren’t adequately prepared.

The performance scholarship is a good vision, but I worry that our education system isn’t robust enough to allow our students to take advantage of it.  With low reading and math skills as early as third grade, high dropout rates and need for remediation for students entering college, Alaska must do better to create stronger students throughout their learning career.  Our youth are our future workforce, and Alaska deserves an education system which works.

Former Representative Ralph Samuels pays a surprise visit
to Representative Chris Tuck.

Energy Upsets Rock Kenai Peninsula, Could Affect Anchorage

As you may have heard, the liquid natural gas (LNG) plant on the Kenai has lost its international shipping contract due to global market forces.  Not only will this affect upwards of 30 high-paying jobs, it eliminates markets for Cook Inlet gas exploration and production. 

While the Legislature took steps last year to stabilize gas supplies for Anchorage (click here for details), we need practical and immediately available solutions to ensure that Anchorage has continued energy supply for the future.

Along with other members of the House Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Committee, I will hear a full briefing on the issue at 10:15 am on Tuesday. If you want to watch and listen online, look for the committee on the newly available webstream http://alaskalegislature.tv/.

I intend to get concrete answers about Anchorage’s energy security risk, and probe for potential solutions.

I’m here for you,  

      Chris Tuck
      Alaska State Representative
      District 29 - Anchorage

Tuck’s Tips: 

HELPING YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE WITH LAPTOPS

Foster youth advocacy groups such as Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) will help match computers with youth who need them as they strive to succeed.

Having a computer that can stays with them allows foster youth to do schoolwork and stay connected to families and friends as they too often bounce between different schools and homes.  A computer can also help youth transition into successful adulthood.

FFCA is looking for laptops which:

·         are in excellent working order;
·         are no more than 4 years old;
·         have a word processing program;
·         do not need any repairs.

If you have one to donate, please contact either Representative Les Gara at 465-2647; or Amanda Metivier, who is representing Facing Foster Care Alaska on this project, at (907)-230-8237. They will work with community groups to match computers with foster youth.

2011 PFD Application Period underway

Apply for your 2011 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend today! Online applications are quick and easy, and are due March 31st.

Please join me by donating part of your dividend through “Pick, Click, Give” this year!  Every Alaskan can make a difference when we file online for our PFD. Together we can celebrate the arts, lend a hand to those in need, and support our youth as they reach for success.

Through the Pick. Click. Give. option on the online Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend application, you can easily donate $25 or more to any number of Alaska nonprofit causes, community foundations, and campuses of the University of Alaska.

KNOW ANY CIVIC-MINDED YOUTH?

The American Legion and Auxiliary Alaska Boys and Girls State programs lead young people through a week-long government simulation, and it is tons of fun.  Young women and men are eligible to apply when they are juniors in high school. 

· If you know of a civic-minded young person, tell them to think about applying to one of these outstanding programs. 

· Young men should contact Boys State Director, Bill Jacobi at (907) 723-8028   bjacobi680@aol.com.  Young women should contact Girls State Director, Debra Henderson at (907)  252-3544  alaskagirlsstatedirector@gmail.com.

OCEAN RANGER JOBS AVAILABLE

The Dept of Environmental Conservation and Crowley Marine Services, Inc. are recruiting for 2011 Alaska Ocean Rangers.  If you are certified as a Designated Duty Engineer or Third Assistant Engineer, you may qualify.  Receive an excellent salary and benefits as you help protect Alaska’s pristine waters! Contact Lester Williams, Marine Personnel Manager, at lester.williams@crowley.com