A significant amount of effort and compromise was evident in the capitol during the passage of SB 140, the new education funding bill. This legislation marks the most substantial increase in funding for Alaskan schools in our state’s history. Specifically, it includes the following provisions:
A $680 raise in the base student allocation.
An additional $10 million allocated for the Alaska Reads Act.
$14.5 million designated for correspondence education.
Alaska School Broadband Assistance Grants (BAG) Program federal match to reach 100 Mbps speeds
Despite our collaborative efforts yielding positive results in the legislature, Governor Michael Dunleavy has not yet acted on the bill, requesting more to be done on charter schools and other policies. The Governor has until March 14 to sign or veto the bill, or it could go into law without his signature (but take longer to go into effect).
Until that deadline, my colleagues and I remain engaged in dialogues that I hope will result in this long overdue boost in funding for our neighborhood schools. Years of stagnant funding have hindered progress, and failing to increase the base student allocation would be a costly mistake that our state cannot afford to continue repeating. I hope to have news to share with you by the end of next week.
Meeting with the Capitol Press corps, President Stevens, and Senate Education Chair Tobin regarding education
My Response to the DOT Commissioner about Snow Plowing
Last week, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Commissioner, Ryan Anderson, came before the Senate Finance DOT&PF Subcommittee, which oversees the agency's budget. This is what he had to say about snow plowing in Anchorage this winter:
I found this answer unacceptable. We can do better.
Anchorage Townhall this Sat, March 9
On Saturday, March 9, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Anchorage Legislators are holding an areawide townhall meeting at UAA Cuddy Hall, 3400 Seawolf Dr in Anchorage, located on bus routes 10, 20, 25.
Bring your questions, comments, and neighbors, I look forward to seeing you!
Provide input on Denełchin Lab's future community programs! Denełchin Lab is working with current Leadership Anchorage participants to learn how they can expand access to community members. Please complete this anonymous community survey by March 15.
Ballots will soon be in mailboxes for Anchorage voters, due back no later than Tues, April 2.
To learn more about how to track your ballot, how to request a replacement ballot, and where to find drop-boxes in Anchorage, visit the Municipality's website here.
Complete the East Anchorage Survey
I value hearing from my neighbors! I recently sent paper newsletters to East Anchorage constituents. If you haven't already, please take one minute to complete my survey here: East Anchorage Legislative survey
Please feel free to reach out to me or my staff anytime if we may be of assistance to you.
