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Senate Quits Special Session AfterFlawed Crime Bill Passes

November 14, 2017

Dear friends and neighbors,

On Friday, the Alaska Senate gaveled out of the special session after concurring withthe changes the House made to SB 54, the “SB 91 fix-it” bill. Senate Bill 54 includedseveral good fixes to SB 91. The first offense of a class C felony now carries aminimum jail time of 0-2 years, the second offense is 1-4 years and the third is 2-5years. Class C felonies include vehicle theft, assault, and cruelty to animals amongothers. Here is a more expanded list of examples of class C felonies. These make upabout 40% of the crime we see today.

Class A misdemeanors were increased to 0-5 days jail time for the first offense, and0-365 days jail time for the second and third offenses. Class A misdemeanors includeharassment, assault in the 4 th degree (recklessly causing harm to another person),among other crimes.

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure out

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

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Anchorage School District Forges Aheadin Difficult Fiscal Environment

December 7, 2017

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Tuesday, the Anchorage School District (ASD) and School Board presented their2018 legislative priorities to Anchorage legislators, highlighting advancementsin education, cost-efficiency measures, and difficulties their organizations currentlyface. I sensed a lot of optimism from the district, conviction that they are moving inthe right direction, and genuine pride from the new superintendent, Deena Bishop.

Over the last five years, Alaska has gone from 48 th in academic rigor to 13 th in thenation, SAT and ACT scores have risen city-wide (and are now well aboveaverage nationally), graduation rates have increased in nearly everydemographic, and student attendance - a focus in every school - is up across thedistrict.

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1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Anchorage-School-District-Forges-Ahead-in-Difficult-Fiscal-Environment.html?soid=112673098… 2/3

I’m also excited that ASD is beginning to offer space inside their schools at a below-market rate for private pre-K programs. This will provide increased access to pre-Kat an affordable rate – a great incentive for parents to start their kids in theirneighborhood school before Kindergarten, resulting in the need for fewer resourcesonce they enter the public school system.

Unfortunately, inflation has out-paced school funding since 2010, partly because theLegislature has failed to add inflation-proofing to education funding. Last year theAnchorage School District was forced to cut 99 teachers and is currently looking at a$13 million deficit for next year, which will lead to additional cuts and larger classsizes.

To reduce the impact of these projected shortfalls, ASD and the Municipality ofAnchorage are sharing maintenance costs and services, saving both more than $1.5million annually. ASD can be proud that their administrative costs are 24% lower perstudent than any other major district in Alaska, and the district is now saving $5.5million per year thanks to new efficiencies related to bulk orders, auditing, andrebates.

Looking forward, the Anchorage School District is longing for stability from theLegislature. Understandably, they want to ensure that funding is adequate to preventadditional cuts, while ensuring that a final budget is in place by the March 1 st budgetdeadline, forestalling unnecessary pink slips and the fear of programcuts. Busing also needs inflation-proofing so that the district isn’t forced to cutclassroom funding to pay for transportation.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

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Are You Ready? October 10, 2017

Dear friends and neighbors,

As we near the 4th Special Session, which starts on October 23rd, RepresentativeJosephson, Representative Drummond and I invite you to meet with us to talk aboutthe session. Please join us Monday, October 16 at Steller Secondary School. Detailsbelow:

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1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

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Earthquake Preparedness

It’s that time of year again! Be prepared. Before the last leaf drops, make sure youand your family are ready for winter, and natural disasters. The top three most likelydisasters to hit Anchorage include earthquakes, wildfires, and extreme winterweather. The Municipality of Anchorage has a Household Emergency Plan worksheetunder their Emergency Management and Preparedness site . It is twelve pages long,and it may come in handy ( available here).

The guide is designed as a document to get you thinking about your emergencyplan. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts for earthquake preparedness:

Do not stand in a doorwayDo not run outside – but if you’re already outside, don't run inside

Do drop (if you're in a wheel chair, lock it), cover, and hold on.

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure outhow to pay for the things that are needed. Gaveling out and going home is not goingto solve our problems.

The House Majority is making one last ditch effort to work on a fiscal plan by stayingin session and calling the Senate back, but I am not sure it will work. Hopefully, afiscal plan will be in our near future, but I’m not holding my breath.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a le er to the Alaska Dispatch News

GovGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure outhow to pay for the things that are needed. Gaveling out and going home is not goingto solve our problems.

The House Majority is making one last ditch effort to work on a fiscal plan by stayingin session and calling the Senate back, but I am not sure it will work. Hopefully, afiscal plan will be in our near future, but I’m not holding my breath.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a le er to the Alaska Dispatch News

GovGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Anchorage-School-District-Forges-Ahead-in-Difficult-Fiscal-Environment.html?soid=112673098… 2/3

I’m also excited that ASD is beginning to offer space inside their schools at a below-market rate for private pre-K programs. This will provide increased access to pre-Kat an affordable rate – a great incentive for parents to start their kids in theirneighborhood school before Kindergarten, resulting in the need for fewer resourcesonce they enter the public school system.

Unfortunately, inflation has out-paced school funding since 2010, partly because theLegislature has failed to add inflation-proofing to education funding. Last year theAnchorage School District was forced to cut 99 teachers and is currently looking at a$13 million deficit for next year, which will lead to additional cuts and larger classsizes.

To reduce the impact of these projected shortfalls, ASD and the Municipality ofAnchorage are sharing maintenance costs and services, saving both more than $1.5million annually. ASD can be proud that their administrative costs are 24% lower perstudent than any other major district in Alaska, and the district is now saving $5.5million per year thanks to new efficiencies related to bulk orders, auditing, andrebates.

Looking forward, the Anchorage School District is longing for stability from theLegislature. Understandably, they want to ensure that funding is adequate to preventadditional cuts, while ensuring that a final budget is in place by the March 1 st budgetdeadline, forestalling unnecessary pink slips and the fear of programcuts. Busing also needs inflation-proofing so that the district isn’t forced to cutclassroom funding to pay for transportation.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Anchorage-School-District-Forges-Ahead-in-Difficult-Fiscal-Environment.html?soid=112673098… 3/3

The time at the meeting spent focusing on the Anchorage School District was veryvaluable. I appreciate the innovative efforts taken to improvestudent outcomes while dealing with Alaska’s ongoing fiscal crisis. Time and again,studies have shown that investments in childhood education pay for themselvesmany times over once children grow into adults.

I am encouraged by our new Superintendent and the leadership she has brought toour schools. I call on the members of the Senate Finance Committee to join me inproviding fiscal stability for all our schools. The Anchorage School District ismaking productive changes and it’s time for Senate leadership to do the sam e.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a leer to the Alaska Dispatch News

Governor's OfficeGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

Confirm that you like this.

Click the "Like" button.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Are-You-Ready.html?soid=1126730985575&aid=xQQb_aGtx8E 2/5

Earthquake Preparedness

It’s that time of year again! Be prepared. Before the last leaf drops, make sure youand your family are ready for winter, and natural disasters. The top three most likelydisasters to hit Anchorage include earthquakes, wildfires, and extreme winterweather. The Municipality of Anchorage has a Household Emergency Plan worksheetunder their Emergency Management and Preparedness site . It is twelve pages long,and it may come in handy ( available here).

The guide is designed as a document to get you thinking about your emergencyplan. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts for earthquake preparedness:

Do not stand in a doorwayDo not run outside – but if you’re already outside, don't run inside

Do drop (if you're in a wheel chair, lock it), cover, and hold on.1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Are-You-Ready.html?soid=1126730985575&aid=xQQb_aGtx8E 3/5

On October 19 at 10:19am, you can participate in the Great Alaska ShakeOut . Thisdate is the world’s largest earthquake drill.

Wildfires

Fortunately, we had a mild season in Anchorage, and the time of year for maximumwildfire danger is ending. Still, make sure you have defensible space (a break of 15feet from dry conifers and vegetation is recommended around your property) fornext summer.

More information about being “firewise” here .

Winter Weather

For winter weather, consult this handy visual guide:

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure outhow to pay for the things that are needed. Gaveling out and going home is not goingto solve our problems.

The House Majority is making one last ditch effort to work on a fiscal plan by stayingin session and calling the Senate back, but I am not sure it will work. Hopefully, afiscal plan will be in our near future, but I’m not holding my breath.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a le er to the Alaska Dispatch News

GovGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure outhow to pay for the things that are needed. Gaveling out and going home is not goingto solve our problems.

The House Majority is making one last ditch effort to work on a fiscal plan by stayingin session and calling the Senate back, but I am not sure it will work. Hopefully, afiscal plan will be in our near future, but I’m not holding my breath.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a le er to the Alaska Dispatch News

GovGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Anchorage-School-District-Forges-Ahead-in-Difficult-Fiscal-Environment.html?soid=112673098… 2/3

I’m also excited that ASD is beginning to offer space inside their schools at a below-market rate for private pre-K programs. This will provide increased access to pre-Kat an affordable rate – a great incentive for parents to start their kids in theirneighborhood school before Kindergarten, resulting in the need for fewer resourcesonce they enter the public school system.

Unfortunately, inflation has out-paced school funding since 2010, partly because theLegislature has failed to add inflation-proofing to education funding. Last year theAnchorage School District was forced to cut 99 teachers and is currently looking at a$13 million deficit for next year, which will lead to additional cuts and larger classsizes.

To reduce the impact of these projected shortfalls, ASD and the Municipality ofAnchorage are sharing maintenance costs and services, saving both more than $1.5million annually. ASD can be proud that their administrative costs are 24% lower perstudent than any other major district in Alaska, and the district is now saving $5.5million per year thanks to new efficiencies related to bulk orders, auditing, andrebates.

Looking forward, the Anchorage School District is longing for stability from theLegislature. Understandably, they want to ensure that funding is adequate to preventadditional cuts, while ensuring that a final budget is in place by the March 1 st budgetdeadline, forestalling unnecessary pink slips and the fear of programcuts. Busing also needs inflation-proofing so that the district isn’t forced to cutclassroom funding to pay for transportation.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Anchorage-School-District-Forges-Ahead-in-Difficult-Fiscal-Environment.html?soid=112673098… 3/3

The time at the meeting spent focusing on the Anchorage School District was veryvaluable. I appreciate the innovative efforts taken to improvestudent outcomes while dealing with Alaska’s ongoing fiscal crisis. Time and again,studies have shown that investments in childhood education pay for themselvesmany times over once children grow into adults.

I am encouraged by our new Superintendent and the leadership she has brought toour schools. I call on the members of the Senate Finance Committee to join me inproviding fiscal stability for all our schools. The Anchorage School District ismaking productive changes and it’s time for Senate leadership to do the sam e.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a leer to the Alaska Dispatch News

Governor's OfficeGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

Confirm that you like this.

Click the "Like" button.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Are-You-Ready.html?soid=1126730985575&aid=xQQb_aGtx8E 2/5

Earthquake Preparedness

It’s that time of year again! Be prepared. Before the last leaf drops, make sure youand your family are ready for winter, and natural disasters. The top three most likelydisasters to hit Anchorage include earthquakes, wildfires, and extreme winterweather. The Municipality of Anchorage has a Household Emergency Plan worksheetunder their Emergency Management and Preparedness site . It is twelve pages long,and it may come in handy ( available here).

The guide is designed as a document to get you thinking about your emergencyplan. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts for earthquake preparedness:

Do not stand in a doorwayDo not run outside – but if you’re already outside, don't run inside

Do drop (if you're in a wheel chair, lock it), cover, and hold on.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Are-You-Ready.html?soid=1126730985575&aid=xQQb_aGtx8E 3/5

On October 19 at 10:19am, you can participate in the Great Alaska ShakeOut . Thisdate is the world’s largest earthquake drill.

Wildfires

Fortunately, we had a mild season in Anchorage, and the time of year for maximumwildfire danger is ending. Still, make sure you have defensible space (a break of 15feet from dry conifers and vegetation is recommended around your property) fornext summer.

More information about being “firewise” here .

Winter Weather

For winter weather, consult this handy visual guide:1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Are-You-Ready.html?soid=1126730985575&aid=xQQb_aGtx8E 4/5

Most of us have heard about tragic deaths that occurred due to the failure of a carbonmonoxide detector. Please make sure you check that all your detectors are workingand that you and your family have an escape plan in case of a fire. Have fireextinguishers ready and available and know how to use them.

Whatever you do, think ahead, be ready, and be safe.

I'm Berta and I'm listening.

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a leer to the Alaska Dispatch News

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure outhow to pay for the things that are needed. Gaveling out and going home is not goingto solve our problems.

The House Majority is making one last ditch effort to work on a fiscal plan by stayingin session and calling the Senate back, but I am not sure it will work. Hopefully, afiscal plan will be in our near future, but I’m not holding my breath.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a le er to the Alaska Dispatch News

GovGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

Though there are many issues with the bill that could have been worked out in aconference committee of House and Senate members, Republican Senate leadershipchose instead not to fix the problems - all but assuring that the state will go to court,having to defend what legal experts call an unconstitutional bill. The majorconstitutional issue we face is that the minimum jail time range for first offense of aC felony is the same range as for a class B felony which violates the constitution’s dueprocess clause. Simply stated, you cannot have the same punishment for a moreserious offense as for a lesser offense.

Any individual that is sentenced to a class C felony in the first degree between todayand when the law gets overturned in court, and it is evident that it will, also mayhave recourse against the state. On top of all that, when SB 54 is overturned, the lawwill revert back to the original SB 91 provision which was a problem in the firstplace!

The bill also included a provision for mandatory 25-hour community service forcriminal mischief. This has a logistical problem. Many communities throughoutAlaska simply do not have a system of community service, making the requiredsentence hard to execute. It was extremely unfortunate that Republican SenateLeadership did not take the extra day it needed to fix these issues with the bill. Itwouldn’t have been very difficult.

The most disappointing aspect of the Senate gaveling out of session was their lack ofattention or attempt to create a sustainable fiscal plan, which is why this specialsession was called in the first place. There is a direct link between the increase incrime and our budget. The state is not funding the prosecutors we need to get the jobdone. There are simply not enough cops and troopers in our communities. We lackrehabilitation facilities. If we want to live in a safer community, we need to figure outhow to pay for the things that are needed. Gaveling out and going home is not goingto solve our problems.

The House Majority is making one last ditch effort to work on a fiscal plan by stayingin session and calling the Senate back, but I am not sure it will work. Hopefully, afiscal plan will be in our near future, but I’m not holding my breath.

I'm Berta and I'm listening,

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

Email ADN Send a le er to the Alaska Dispatch News

GovGov.Alaska.gov

LtGov.Alaska.gov

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Anchorage School District Forges Ahead in Difficult Fiscal Environment

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Anchorage-School-District-Forges-Ahead-in-Difficult-Fiscal-Environment.html?soid=112673098… 2/3

I’m also excited that ASD is beginning to offer space inside their schools at a below-market rate for private pre-K programs. This will provide increased access to pre-Kat an affordable rate – a great incentive for parents to start their kids in theirneighborhood school before Kindergarten, resulting in the need for fewer resourcesonce they enter the public school system.

Unfortunately, inflation has out-paced school funding since 2010, partly because theLegislature has failed to add inflation-proofing to education funding. Last year theAnchorage School District was forced to cut 99 teachers and is currently looking at a$13 million deficit for next year, which will lead to additional cuts and larger classsizes.

To reduce the impact of these projected shortfalls, ASD and the Municipality ofAnchorage are sharing maintenance costs and services, saving both more than $1.5million annually. ASD can be proud that their administrative costs are 24% lower perstudent than any other major district in Alaska, and the district is now saving $5.5million per year thanks to new efficiencies related to bulk orders, auditing, andrebates.

Looking forward, the Anchorage School District is longing for stability from theLegislature. Understandably, they want to ensure that funding is adequate to preventadditional cuts, while ensuring that a final budget is in place by the March 1 st budgetdeadline, forestalling unnecessary pink slips and the fear of programcuts. Busing also needs inflation-proofing so that the district isn’t forced to cutclassroom funding to pay for transportation.

1/18/2018 Berta's Briefings - Are You Ready

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Berta-s-Briefings---Are-You-Ready.html?soid=1126730985575&aid=xQQb_aGtx8E 4/5

Most of us have heard about tragic deaths that occurred due to the failure of a carbonmonoxide detector. Please make sure you check that all your detectors are workingand that you and your family have an escape plan in case of a fire. Have fireextinguishers ready and available and know how to use them.

Whatever you do, think ahead, be ready, and be safe.

I'm Berta and I'm listening.

CONTACT ME907-269-0174

Sen.Berta.Gardner@akleg.gov

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