SUBSCRIBE ‌ ‌ A New Year and a New Session January 31, 2020 When I was sworn in as your Senator, I identified my four-year objectives, and committed I would see each goal through to fruition so that our state would thrive. While I have worked hard to reach these goals over the past three years, one has always remained just out of reach: high quality, universal, voluntary pre-kindergarten. There was a point in time I was uncertain as to whether my bill, SB 6, would ever pass a vote of the Senate and House, and consequently, be signed into law. It has been a long road, but I am proud to say I believe our state is on track to join the dozens of other states that offer universal pre-k. Over the past several years, my office has worked across party lines to find synergy and energy in support of high quality pre-k education programs. I have not always agreed with my colleagues, but through strong communication, trust, compromise, and negotiation, I am proud to say the Department of Education, Governor’s Office, Senate Majority, reading advocates, educators, and I have crafted a bill that will bring high quality pre-k and intensive reading intervention services to our state. Reading and pre-k is good for Alaska and essential for our services. Please watch for the hearing of SB6 - The Alaska Reads Act - and let me know your thoughts as this bill progresses to become law. All my best, Senator Tom Begich Senate District J Alaska Reads Act (SB 6) Testimony The Alaska Reads Act (SB 6) isn't my bill, it's not the Governor's bill, it's not a Senate bill or a House bill, it's our bill. And it's the result of years of collaboration and it belongs to all of us. I testified to the Senate Education Committee last Thursday, and you can watch it here: To watch the entire hearing, please click this link. Bipartisan Teamwork Senate President Cathy Giessel and I talked with Lori Townsend a couple weeks ago regarding the state's budget and the PFD. Watch our discussion here: Committee Assignments This session, I will continue to serve on the Senate Education and Health & Social Services committees. I expect these committees to review important issues such as early education programs, potential restructuring of the University of Alaska, Pioneer Homes rates, and the Alaska Psychiatric Institute. I am also honored to serve on leadership committees such as Senate Rules, as well as the Joint committee on Legislative Ethics. I also serve on the Senate Finance Subcommittees for the Department of Education & Early Development and Department of Environmental Conservation. Finance subcommittees provide legislators the opportunity to dive deeply into each individual agency’s budget early in the budget process. Finally, last week I was humbled with my appointment to the Legislative Council. Juneau Office Hours My Juneau office is open! Session began Tuesday, January 21, 2020 and my staff and I hit the ground running! Please come visit us weekdays, anytime between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Capitol Room 11. Main line: (907) 465-3704 Toll-free: 888-330-3704 Email: [email protected] Throughout the year, the Anchorage Legislative Office is also available to assist in connecting you with your representatives and senators. It is located on the first floor of the Anchorage Legislative Building (1500 W Benson Blvd) and it is open 8:00 am to 5 pm. Main line: (907) 269-0111 Email: [email protected] Community Councils Community council meetings are among my favorite events because they provide me the opportunity to learn about the interests and issues important to our neighbors and meet you in your neighborhood. When I am unavailable to attend, I always try to send a staff person who reports back to me immediately about the discussions. However, now that we will be in Juneau until spring, my staff or I will be on the phone to provide updates on the legislative session and hear what’s going on back home. Below is a list of community councils in my Senate District: Please consider attending: Airport Heights Meets the third Thursday of every month at 7pm in Airport Heights Elementary School Library. Downtown Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm in the Anchorage Historic Hotel. Fairview Meets the second Thursday of every month at 7pm in the Fairview Community Recreation Center. Government Hill Meets the third Thursday of every month at 6:30pm in the Government Hill Elementary School. Mountain View Meets the second Wednesday every month at 6pm in the Mountain View Library. **While you're at the Mountain View Library, check out a book or video for as long as you'd like! Anchorage libraries no longer charge late fees! Russian Jack Meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM in the Wonder Park Elementary Library. South Addition Meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 7pm in Anchorage Lutheran Church. Contact Me! (907) 465-3704 (Juneau // session) (907) 269-0169 (Anchorage // interim) [email protected] Email ADN Send a letter to the Anchorage Daily News ‌ ‌ Sen. Tom Begich | State Capitol Building, 120 4th St, Room 11, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected]