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.
