Take action - testify THIS WEEK Jan. 27-31, 2025
Hello education advocates,
Our legislative leaders want to make education funding a priority this session!
The House Education Committee will be taking testimony on HB 69, a bill that would increase the Base Student Allocation (learn more about the BSA here.)
Meanwhile, the Senate Education Committee is taking public testimony on Alaska’s Education Funding Crisis.
These are both great opportunities to share your concerns about the future of Alaska's schools. Choose a hearing that fits your schedule, and if possible, aim to testify at both a House and a Senate hearing.
HOUSE
Option 1: Wednesday, January 29, at 8:00 am
House Education Committee: Testify in support of HB 69 to increase the BSA
Option 2: Wednesday, January 29, 5:00 pm (sign-up by 6:30 pm)
House Education Committee: Testify in support of HB 69 to increase the BSA (same as the morning)
SENATE
Option 3: Monday, January 27, 3:30 - 5:00 pm (sign-up by 4 pm)
Senate Education Committee: Public testimony on Alaska’s Education Funding Crisis will follow a presentation on education funding by Legislative Finance Division Director Alexei Painter and a presentation by Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.
Option 4: Wednesday, January 29, at 3:30 - 5:00 pm (sign-up by 4 pm)
Senate Education Committee: Public testimony on Alaska's Education Funding Crisis will follow presentations by Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and the Anchorage Education Association.
Option 5: Friday, January 31, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Senate Education Committee: Public testimony continues
HOW TO TESTIFY
If this is your first time testifying, we recommend going to your local Legislative Information Office (find the closest LIO here). LIOs have staff who can help you get set up and know what to expect.
Or you can call in from anywhere using these numbers:
Juneau – (907) 586-9085
Anchorage – (907) 563-9085
All Other Locations – 844-586-9085
You may also email your testimony for entry into the public record to:
House Education Committee - House.Education@akleg.gov
Senate Education Committee - Senate.Education@akleg.gov
Be sure to also copy your Senator & Representative on your email. Not sure who they are? Scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your address in “who represents me”.
Wondering what to say? Check out our tips for testifying. The most important parts are to keep it under two minutes and tell your story.
Thank you,
- The Great Alaska Schools organizing team: Rachael, Colleen, Jessica, Polly, Sara, Emily, Rebecca, Tamara, Roz'lyn, Sarah, Kelly, Sharon, Aaron, Becca, Laura and more
P.S. - Have you signed this year’sPetition to Gov. Dunleavyyet? Last year we delivered a petition of over 1,700 Alaskans to the Governor and key legislators last year - they took notice!
P.P.S.-As Joan Baez said, action is the antidote to despair.
