Getting things done.
The Senate Majority passes legislation to reinstate defined benefits for state employees.
Senate Bill 88 Passes the Senate
Right now, I can’t think of a better example of teamwork and bipartisanship than the Alaska Senate Majority. When we work together, we do amazing things - and amazing things are being done. This week, the Alaska Senate Majority passed Senate Bill 88, a bill to reinstate a defined benefit retirement program for state employees, peace officers/firefighters, and teachers.
Defined benefits, often called a pension, ensure that a beneficiary receives a dedicated amount for the entire length of their retirement. Alaska is the only state in the nation that does not offer a defined benefit program for teachers and I’m beyond elated to say that our Senate Majority fulfilled the promise to pass a defined benefit bill for all state and public employees. Now, it is up to the House of Representatives to work on the bill so that it can be sent to Governor Dunleavy for his signature.
Senate Bill 88, sponsored by Senator Cathy Giessel and co-sponsored by several members of the Senate Majority (including myself), addresses the second major priority of our caucus, which is to reduce inequities in our state retirement system and stem the tide of aggressive out-migration of working age Alaskans.
“As we said from the beginning, this is not your grandmother’s gold-plated retirement plan. This is a modest and reasonable retirement plan that will turn the tide on our workforce recruitment and retention issues. We must take significant action now if we want to turn around our economy and attract the brightest and best in all industries, public and private.” – Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)
During public testimony, we heard from teachers, public safety officers, state employees, and firefighters from across Alaska about the need to reinstate a retirement system that was fair for all. Senator Giessel took on the yeoman’s task of gathering the data, requesting the actuarial, and finding the path forward for a piece of legislation that answers the call of our state’s public servants.
Senate Bill 88 now moves to the House, where my colleagues will consider the legislation. I am convinced the bill will improve state employee retention, resulting in more roads being plowed, faster processing of food stamp/SNAP applications, and improved student outcomes through teacher retention. I look forward to the bill’s swift progress through the House.
Follow the progress of Senate Bill 88 by texting SB 88 to (559) 245-2529 to receive SMS updates.
Learning how homelessness/houselessness affects education outcomes.
On January 29, the Senate Education Committee heard from experts and researchers on how experiencing homelessness/houseless affects a young person’s ability to attend school and participate in the classroom.
According to the available data, Alaska has seen a 14% increase in students experiencing houselessness since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the data shows that students experiencing houselessness are absent more than other students, and they experience greater struggles that lead to lower graduation than any other sub-population, including those students whose families are low/limited income.
While rates of youth experiencing houselessness are increasing in Alaska, there are resources to help, including federally funded liaisons who provide specialized support for students experiencing homelessness and who work to help these students access support services. Monday’s meeting also included a presentation from the co-director of the National Center for Homeless Education, which works with schools across the nation to train liaisons and ensure students and families experiencing houselessness are supported.
Monday’s meeting of the Senate Education Committee sparked a great conversation among the lawmakers in the Capitol Building about how to help students experience homelessness. Right now, I am working with my colleagues in the Senate and House to pass a resolution asking Alaska’s Congressional Delegation to make tangible moves to get much-needed resources to our struggling students.
Trying to borrow $54 to see a fellow Nomite sing at Carnegie Hall.
On January 27, Nome’s own Ellie Martinson sang on stage at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. She represented the UAF music department with pride. I tried to go to the concert by asking the Senate President to loan me $54 for a ticket. Watch my speech on the Senate Floor from the January 26 floor session.
Black History Month
Being elected to the Alaska State Senate has been a surreal experience. I am the third Black woman elected to the Alaska State Legislature. To say it is a solemn responsibility is an understatement. We know that high-quality public education unlocks doors and gives individuals the tools to be owners of their labor. Fighting for fairness and access in our public education systems and funding is worthy of every moment of my day. Still, alas, these issues are not the only things I can focus on during my tenure in the Alaska State Legislature.
Nevertheless, this week, in conjunction with the start of Black History Month, I asked my team to read an Atlantic article about how reconstruction created public education in the United States. The article demonstrates that racism and inequity impact educational outcomes.
As a descendant of enslaved peoples, my relationship to and with racism, education, literacy, and exploitation is deep. I often reflect on the family stories I know and contemplate the family history I will never hear. As a mixed-race woman, I honor the ancestors that were stolen from their Indigenous lands and I remember my family whose history traces far back from their voluntary entry to America.
The complexities that identity brings to each of us are beautiful and painful and there is authentic space for all experiences, considerations, and contemplations. As we work to acknowledge and honor this year’s Black History Month, I encourage you to recognize Senator Gray-Jackson and her efforts to ensure that every February in Alaska is designated as Black History Month. I also challenge you to lean into learning this nation’s true history and reading books that unpack the emotions and feelings of what it means to be Black in America today.
NPR: Six books for young readers to learn about Black history
Innocence Project: 15 books to Read During Black History Month and Beyond
Chigaco Library: African American History Books for Adults
This is great information. Thank you!