In the past few weeks I have received countless emails on important subjects like ending cuts to our public school teachers, supporting efforts toward a large diameter gasline, opposing the constitutional amendment to allow public funds to go to private and/or religious schools, as well as emails about local issues such as the UMed/Northern Access Road.
As I represent you in 28th Alaska Legislature, it is important for me to hear your thoughts and concerns and make sure you have good information about what is happening in the Capitol.
I have monitored the progress of the UMed/Northern Access Road project since it first received funding last year. This summer I watched the developers give many presentations at community councils throughout the area. In August, hundreds of our neighbors attended an Open House at East High School to submit comments and participate in discussions on the future of the road.
Statewide bi-partisan education advocates organized a rally on the front steps of Juneau this week to show support for education funding. These supporters were asking for an adequate increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA). Money that goes directly into the teaching of our students is the most important fundamental funding we can give.
A Happy Valentine’s Day wish to you. I hope you’re spending today with loved ones. This week has been a busy one at the Capitol, with many issues being discussed that affect our state and our neighborhoods, with review of bills on health care access, the Alaska LNG project, and a report from our military leaders.
School Vouchers
We need your voice at the House Education Committee meeting this Friday, February 7th, at 8 a.m. in the State Capitol Building – in person or by phone.
The Education Committee is going to discuss the school voucher resolution, HJR 1, which would allow the public to vote to amend the Alaska Constitution. This amendment sanctions the state to take public school funding and use it for private and religious schools. This means that your dollars would be funding private schools, not your local public schools.
