Moving Alaska Forward
Alaska’s Schools Need a Lasting Commitment to Build on Successes
JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats introduced legislation to make a lasting commitment to Alaska’s schools by guaranteeing inflation will not lead to more school staff cuts. Nine members of the House Democratic Caucus signed on to the legislation.
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The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. On January 15, I was sworn in on the floor and signed the Oath of Office with the lieutenant governor.
Accompanying me to the signing of the Oath of Office were my two staffers, Joe Caissie and Monica Southworth. Joe has experience with economics and possesses a keen interest in resource development in Alaska. Last year he was a law clerk for Justice Christen on the Alaska Supreme Court. Monica is a life-long Alaskan, originally from Unalaska, AK. She has worked in the legislature for the past two years and I’m excited to have both of them as my legislative team.
Read moreHouse Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula, House Democratic Whip Chris Tuck, and Representative Geran Tarr will hold the caucus’ weekly press availability tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the Beltz Room, Room 105 in the Tom Stewart Legislative Building adjacent to the Capitol.
Read more(JUNEAU) – Today a group of Democrats announced they are filing a bill to increase the number of Alaskans who vote. Their bill will allow Alaskans to register the same day they vote. The bill contrasts with efforts we saw leading up to the 2012 election. That effort was pushed by the corporate-funded GOP leaning group American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and others to lower voter turnout by requiring additional forms of identification not currently required in Alaska. ALEC is funded by companies like the foreign drug-maker Bayer, drug-maker Abbott Labs, and over a hundred large corporations.
Read moreLink to the sponsor statement PDF from the office of Rep. Les Gara
Read moreJUNEAU – Today, House Democratic leadership announced updated committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session. The seats on the Finance and Resources Committees are tentative until a final decision is made once the entire caucus can meet in person. Currently, one member is out of town due to a family medical situation.
Read more(ANCHORAGE) – Today Democratic legislators announced they were pre-filing legislation this coming week to help diversify Alaska’s resource-dependent economy, so that job opportunities can be created in new areas, in addition to resource jobs.
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