{"id":3485,"date":"2017-03-22T17:34:05","date_gmt":"2017-03-23T01:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us\/?p=3485"},"modified":"2017-03-22T17:34:05","modified_gmt":"2017-03-23T01:34:05","slug":"contact-alaska-state-legislature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpbsd.org\/schools\/comm-test\/2017\/03\/22\/contact-alaska-state-legislature\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I contact the Alaska State Legislature?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/a><\/h3>\n

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March 22, 2017, Education funding update<\/span><\/p>\n

Education funding and the House of Representatives \u2013 Status Quo education funding<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The House of Representatives passed HB57<\/a> operating budget, which includes Status Quo education funding. This is in alignment with the Governor\u2019s proposed budget. Today it was announced HB57 bill is scheduled <pending introduction and referral> with the Senate Finance Committee<\/a> (SFC) on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

Education funding and the Senate \u2013 unknown. Possibly 5% reduction*<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Senate Finance Committee proposed operating budget SB22<\/a> does not have an amount for education funding included, yet. Last week during public testimony, when several KPBSD constituents called and emailed legislators, and testified at LIO offices, Senator Lyman Hoffman said the SFC would be reducing education funding by 5% when it was added in this week. However, no action has taken place in SB22. If you take two minutes to read the testimony from Superintendent Dusek,<\/a> and from Assistant Superintendent Jones<\/a>, you will better understand the work KPBSD is doing to assist with a fiscal plan, and learn how that even with Status Quo funding, costs continue to rise, and it is challenging to continue to innovate and successfully meet the needs of every child who comes through the door.
\nThe uncertainty about education funding is stalling KPBSD from issuing contracts to our non-tenured teachers, in whom we have a significant investment. Further delay will force newer staff to seek positions elsewhere. This will negatively impact students and create increases in the professional development costs required to prepare newly hired employees.
\nThe Borough has not yet made a commitment to FY18 funding, and if the state reduces foundation formula funding in the BSA, that has a negative impact and linked effect on the amount the Borough can provide.
\nKPBSD asks you to contact legislators to offer your thoughts about a fiscal plan and education funding.<\/p>\n

Legislators representing the Kenai Peninsula:<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n