The Latest – What does “Alaska is 51st out of 53” actually mean?
Unpacking student assessment data, achievement metrics, and accountability.
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On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 14
Hello! This week the Senate Education Committee forwarded a bill that will secure stable and predictable funding for schools. The bill provides a 4.6% increase in state funding compared to last year. These additional dollars are vital to empowering successful learning outcomes.
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April Showers Bring May… Adjournment?
Our rain came back this weekend. I wouldn’t know what to do if we didn’t have April showers to bring May rainfall.
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The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 13
Today’s episode includes two recent speeches delivered by Senator Tobin on the importance of Alaska’s public education system and the urgent need for additional education funding.
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House and Senate Approve Public Education Bill
Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Friday afternoon, the Senate passed House Bill 69 with a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation. The House approved the same legislation soon after the Senate vote. The legislation now goes to Governor Dunleavy for his consideration. There is more work to be done to support public education in Alaska.
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PFD, HB 69 and Federal Cuts
Today is day 81 of the 120-day Alaska Legislative session and only 1/3 of the session remains. Boy how time flies.
The House Finance Committee has been trying to approve an operating budget, which is a difficult task, given that the state is facing financial straits and a deficit of $1.9 billion. The House Majority and Minority are deeply divided on how to deal with Alaska’s fiscal problems. There has been some contention this week, as House Finance tries to compromise on a budget to send over to the Senate. Both the House Minority and Majority held separate press conferences on the issue and painted two very different pictures for the people of Alaska.
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Town Hall topics, Credit Rating, Gas Pipeline Questions and lots more!
Dear friends and neighbors, Mike Sfraga, PhD., former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Arctic Affairs, presented to Senate Special Committee on Arctic Affairs. Great insights and recommendations.
Town Hall topics, Credit Rating, Gas Pipeline Questions and lots more! Read More »
State budget
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, we take another look at the West Anchorage constituent survey responses and overall trends in budget priorities. Over several years, the dividend has become a lower priority and state services – including public education and public safety – have become more important to Alaskans.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 7
Hello! This week the Senate Education Committee forwarded a bill that will secure stable and predictable funding for schools. The bill provides a 4.6% increase in state funding compared to last year. These additional dollars are vital to empowering successful learning outcomes.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 7 Read More »
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 12
Senator Tobin is joined by former State Representative Beth Kerttula for a wide-ranging conservation about the conservation movement and the work of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators.
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