We’ve had a beautiful summer all across Alaska and especially in Southeast – I’m looking forward to an equally beautiful fall. Kids across the state are headed back to school, a sure sign that the season is changing.
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The House of Representatives gaveled out of the first session of the 28th Alaska State Legislature at 11:35 p.m. on April 14, 2013.Overall, it was a disappointing session for Alaska, with the elimination of cruise ship waste standards, passage of a massive giveaway of Alaskans’ oil wealth, and no commitment to education. Click here to read an article from KFSK in Petersburg on my take on the session.
I’m also including a list of some of District 32’s capital budget items in this newsletter. In anticipation of large budget deficits due to the oil tax giveaway, the Legislature returned to the more modest capital budgets of years past.
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While the end of the 90-day session is in 10 days, I am not sure we will adjourn on time (or we may be back for a special session).
A bright point of my week was learning that my anti-discrimination bill will get a hearing in House State Affairs on Tuesday morning. Read below for more information about the bill and the hearing.
It was terrific to see the huge turnout at Stop the Giveaway rallies against the oil tax bill across the state. I was disappointed that I couldn’t attend the rally in Juneau, but I was on the House Floor defending teachers against a bill that unfairly alters tenure.
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Celebrating Women and Looking Toward the Future
This year we have more women in the Alaska State Legislature than ever before! I appreciate the efforts of all the women who came before me who made that possible. This newsletter is in honor of Women’s History Month, March 2013.
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Alaska’s children are facing attacks on their education this year – from eroding foundation funding to vouchers to early education cuts. On Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to make your voice heard on these issues in a hearing hosted by Alaska’s Democratic Legislators from 1-3 p.m. in Room 203 at the Capitol Building. See the flyer below for more information.
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Cuts Target Programs that Most Benefit Our Economy
There are certain milestones that mark the passage of the legislative session. Passing the Operating Budget over to the Senate is one of those milestones. Yesterday, I voted against passage of the budget because I felt that the cuts imposed by the majority-led subcommittees cut some of the most critical programs that provide great benefit to our economy.
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Today is the 46th day of the 90-day session. We’re just past the half-way mark and still there hasn’t been an open discussion on how to improve Alaska’s schools. It’s high time we did so.
Next week, you’ll have the opportunity to provide your opinion on the operating budget before the House Finance Committee. Also next week, U.S. Senator Begich will address the Legislature. See below for details.
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