SUBSCRIBE ‌ ‌ Alaska Reads Act February 21, 2020 Over the past three years I've been working on bringing universal, voluntary pre-Kindergarten to Alaska. In that process I have partnered with educators, administrators, parents, early education supporters, and community groups to craft a bill that brings resources and tools for high-quality early education programs to Alaska’s schools. Late last year, the Governor and Commissioner of Education and Early Development reached out to me to consider supplementing that pre-K concept with a strong reading bill. I accepted the challenge and we began the early steps of crafting legislation that is known as the Alaska Reads Act. Of course, writing a bill is a process, and throughout this endeavor I have heard your comments about ensuring local control, affirming parental engagement, and increasing the Department of Education and Early Development’s (DEED) capacity to provide professional development for our teachers. The Commissioner of Education and I have worked tirelessly to include all your suggestions and amendments to develop a bill that is genuinely educator and child advocate informed. I am proud of the work that our offices – and those of many other Senate and House members have done, and I look forward to Alaska having a stronger education system in the very near future. Here are video segments of invited and public testimony that I believe speak to the intent and purpose of this bill. I encourage you to watch them all in their entirety, starting with the Commissioner and my introduction of SB 6, which is followed by the sectional analysis of the CS of SSSB 6, and concluding with the Senate Education Committee’s passage of the amended committee substitute. I look forward to continuing the dialogue and robust discussions about the Alaska Reads Act and its impact on our schools in the coming weeks and years. Thank you again for being education champions and for working with me–and the rest of us–in investing in our students. Link to the full text of the Committee Substitute of Sponsor Substitute of Senate Bill 6, Version 0 (2.17.2020) All my best, Senator Tom Begich Senate District J SATURDAY: Anchorage Caucus This Saturday, February 22, the Anchorage Caucus will meet on its home turf, at the Anchorage Loussac Library (3600 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99503). If you would like an update from Anchorage legislators, please attend! The meeting will kick off at 10 am and is scheduled to last until 2 pm. For more information, please contact: REP. ZACK FIELDS [email protected] (907) 465-2647 REP. SARA RASMUSSEN [email protected] (907) 465-3892 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 I can learn about the interests and issues important to you. 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]