I hope you're out enjoying the summer sun—especially on the weekends when it comes in its highly concentrated liquid form.

Read on for the latest in the homeschool funding saga and the newsletter's midsummer pause.

Reps. Hannan, Story, & I got to present a legislative citation to Stuart Sliter honoring her community service and four decades of work keeping Alaska elections running.

Summer School

The Alaska Supreme Court doesn’t take summer vacation on school cases. They recently made their first ruling on the correspondence case. I say 'first' because they didn’t actually decide any of the issues.

A quick SparkNotes for anyone who missed the homework: a state superior court overturned two of Alaska’s correspondence laws as unconstitutional because they let government money pay for private or religious education. Our Alaska constitution expressly forbids that. The ruling was broad enough it caused confusion for every correspondence student in the state, whether they were using private or religious education or not. This all happened late in the legislative session, so we turned in a last-minute extra credit assignment so families could keep homeschooling this year. It was a one-year measure so we might have the state Supreme Court’s decision about what’s ultimately allowed before we made lasting decisions.

The court ruled very quickly. They said to keep waiting. More precisely, they decided the plaintiffs in the case goofed by suing only the state because individual school districts run correspondence programs. As the first ones deciding what to pay for—or not—districts had to be at the table. Now it's all going back to the trial courts to do over with at least one school district involved.

The upshot: despite a despite some press releases here and there where various folks declared victory, nothing is actually settled yet. Correspondence schooling in Alaska will be status quo this year while the case works its way back up to the Supremes. Stay tuned.

Rep. Story & I were glad to join the celebration at the ribbon cutting for Aurora Harbor! Deputy Mayor Hale and Assemblymember Adkison also helped Lt. Gov Dahlstrom wield the ceremonial scissors.

Summer Pause

This newsletter is going to take a month-long summer break, because legislative ethics rules frown on us sending them in the month leading up to an election where the legislator is on the ballot. Alaska will have a primary August 20.

My office is still open & here for you. Please call, email, or come by the Capitol if you have questions or need help. The newsletter will be back at the end of the summer with the latest & greatest on all things legislative.

Juneau Fairy House Workshop

Learn to make fairy houses at the Mendenhall Library. Need we say more? BYO Furnishings July 20^th.

Juneau Open Water Swim Series

Head to the Auke Lake boat ramp on July 20 to join in the open water swimming fun!

Juneau Disc Golf Ladies League

On July 26, come join the disc golf league. Beginners welcome!

Juneau Fresh Air Market

On July 27, head to the JACC to support local artists and creators and shop in the fresh air!

Juneau Climate Fair

Enjoy music and theater while supporting a good cause at the Climate Fair for a Cool Planet! The fun's happening on July 27 from 1:30-5pm at Overstreet Park (the Whale.)

Skagway Wine Tasting

Have a great night & support a great cause at the Little Dippers Learning Center wine tasting fundraiser on July 20.

Skagway Junior Ranger Day

On August 1, bring the kids to watch the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Dancers, try out the obstacle course, or join in the ice-cream eating contest!

Skagway Music Saturday

Come to the library to play around on their mandolin, ukulele, guitar, banjo & piano! The fun starts at 3pm on July 20 and every Saturday!

Gustavus Open Mic

On July 20, bring your instruments and songs for community open mic night!

Gustavus Maker Meeting

Come to the library on July 24 to work on art with great company!

Haines Farmers Market

Every Saturday this summer, come to the fairgrounds for fresh local produce and food!

Haines Historical Tour

On July 20, join the Chilkat Valley Historical Society for tours of Anyway Cabin. Plus - free strawberry tasting & homemade strawberry shortcake!

Haines Makers Market

Come check out local goods, delicious food, and entertainment galore at the July 30 Makers Market!

Klukwan Pet Care

HARK is coming to Klukwan on July 18 & August 15 to help clip nails & vaccinate your furry friends.

Klukwan Community Garden

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, come out to the Klukwan Community Garden to play in the dirt. No experience needed!

Southeast State Fair

Come to Haines for the Southeast State Fair! Join the fun, starting July 25.