Your voice is needed.
The Senate and House Education Committees want to hear from you on the state of public education in Alaska.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Growing up in a household that cherished reading, I struggled with literacy early on. My mother introduced me to "Hooked on Phonics," and my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Hackery, patiently guided me through my pronunciation challenges. Her daily readings of *Little House on the Prairie* sparked my love for storytelling, a passion that still drives me to this day!
With years of education behind me, I have come to appreciate the vital importance of reading. Studies confirm that learning to read is a fundamental right, and our education system desperately needs financial resources to ensure all children can become proficient readers.
I was honored when Senator Tom Begich asked me to lead the legislative effort to establish universal voluntary pre-K in Alaska. This initiative aimed to provide quality early childhood education to all children, regardless of income, based on evidence-based research. The data is clear: preparing students to learn to read has proven benefits, from improved academic success to higher earning potential.
I am committed to increasing the Base Student Allocation to ensure every child has access to high-quality early education and well-funded culturally responsive reading programs. Life is complex, and our state must provide equitable services to all Alaskan families.
While our education system requires careful reforms, we must first stabilize the existing framework, which has suffered under years of underfunding. I urge you to participate in upcoming public testimony sessions for our legislative policy committees. Your opinions are crucial in our efforts to enhance education. I look forward to constructive discussions grounded in facts and research.
Thank you for your support in this critical fight for improved education.
With gratitude,
Löki Gale Tobin, MA
Monday, January 27th
House Education Committee - 8:00 AM -
Introduction: House Bill 69 - an Act to increase the Base Student Allocation & invited testimony
Senate Education Committee - 3:30 PM -
Presentations by Director Alexei Painter of the Legislative Finance Division and Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland
Review the presentations at akleg.gov
Public testimony on the education funding crisis
*Must sign up by 4:00 pm to testify*
Wednesday, January 29th
House Education Committee - 8:00 AM -
Public testimony on House Bill 69 - an Act to increase the Base Student Allocation
Senate Education Committee - 3:30 PM -
Presentations by Fairbanks North Star Borough School District School Board President Melissa Burnett and Superintendent Luke Meinert. Anchorage Education Association President Corey Aist will also testify.
Continue public testimony on the education funding crisis
*Must sign up by 4:00 pm to testify*
Friday, January 31st
House Budget Subcommittee on Education & Early Development - 8:00 AM -
Overview on the Department of Education and Early Development FY2026 by Commissioner Dr. Deena Bishop
Senate Education Committee - 3:30 PM -
Continue public testimony on the education funding crisis
*Must sign up by 4:00 pm to testify*
