Getting Schooled Up Getting Schooled Up May 29, 2020 Dear Friends and Neighbors, I hope you joined me (in spirit) this past Monday to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. And then I hope you enjoyed the sun the rest of the week! Past & Future Sessions The whole legislature came back to Juneau last week to take action before the official end of session. We should have convened a whole lot sooner to dole out the federal coronavirus money. The whole process tried to cut constitutional corners, which isn’t how we should make public policy—even in a crisis. Quick recap: the governor tried to use the “RPL” process to get the money approved by a single committee. Legislative lawyers said it was unconstitutional, but the committee approved it anyway. Predictably, an Alaskan sued to stop the dough from going out. So the legislature reconvened. But rather than pass an appropriation bill that could have been amended—and which would clearly be constitutional—we “ratified” the RPLs. That means we couldn't fix any issues with them. (It also didn't stop the lawsuit, but they're not trying to freeze the cash anymore, so now it's an important constitutional debate, not an economic crisis.) One of the issues that came from cutting corners is the grants to Alaska small businesses. At the end of session we had it in writing from the Department of Commerce that getting federal help (e.g.: from the Payroll Protection Program) didn’t stop a business from getting the state grant, as long as you didn't count the same expense for both. No problem—Alaska businesses are hurting so badly they're awash in eligible expenses with no income to pay them. But after we adjourned, the department pointed to the first version (the one we "ratified") which said a single nickel from the feds meant you get nothing from the state. That leaves a huge number of our neighbors with small businesses high and dry. I haven't found a way around reconvening the whole legislature to fix that. Another special session is the last thing we want. (OK, it's second-to-last, right ahead of a spike in COVID cases.) But it needs fixing. I'll keep looking. Pandemic fashion at the Capitol. Speak out - or Shout We’re dealing with difficult budget cuts throughout the state. With the price of oil so low it's causing reduced oil production, the revenue picture won't get better soon. The University of Alaska in particular has to figure out a path through years of budget cuts, governor’s vetoes, and now decreased enrollment dollars because of the public health crisis. I don’t envy the tough decisions they’re facing. But the UA president floated one idea that’s just wacky—dissolving UAS and putting it under one of the other universities. We’re fortunate to live in a diverse state. That diversity is part of UA's mission statement. When I took classes at UAA years ago, I got an education with roots in the Southcentral region. And when my daughter took classes here at UAS, much of her work was rooted here in Southeast. Our communities have worked hard to support UAS, and it's paid dividends for us all, from training teachers and principals, to mine workers and multi-skilled maritime workers, on to Fish & Game biologists and MPAs running state agencies. When I represented the Juneau assembly on the UAS campus council I helped with the campaign to raise $1 million to support the Alaska College of Education at UAS. Southeast is clearly invested in UAS. That all gets diluted and shipped north if there's no University leadership in our entire region of the state. It would also save next to no money. When you're forced to cut tens of millions, alienating an entire region to save maybe $600,000 per year is not just bad education policy, it's horrifically bad politics for the UA system statewide. I spoke up in support of keeping UAS a separate university during Tuesday’s Board of Regents meeting. Now it's your turn. You can call them on Tuesday, June 2 from 4-6 pm (they usually run out of time, so call in early if you can!) Or you can submit written testimony to the board here. Tuesday, June 2, 4-6 pm. I'm having a tele town hall with Reps. Hannan & Story. You can watch it on June 9 from 5:30-7pm or call in with questions or comments. All my best, Did someone forward you this newsletter? Did you fall into it through the series of tubes? Want more? SUBSCRIBE Indoor/Outdoor Fun Now that it's summer, it's the perfect time to dust off the grill. This recipe is a favorite. Looking for something fun to do with smaller kids? Learn to build a boat with materials you find naturally in Southeast. Learn more. Having fun tidepooling? Up the ante with an intertidal scavenger hunt. Learn how. Although Celebration is officially postponed a year, there will still be some great online events this year starting June 10. Check it out here. There's rain in the forecast. Want something interesting to listen to? Check out Revolutions. It's a fascinating recounting of upheavals and overthrows from around the world. Listen here. (I'd skip season 1, though. It takes a good season or so to find its footing.) Is there an event in our district I should know about? Please call or email! Visit Me! Alaska State Capitol Room 419 Juneau, AK 99801 800 550 4947 907 465 4947 Email Me! ‌ ‌ ‌ Contact My Staff: Edric Carrillo 907 465 6419 [email protected] Cathy Schlingheyde 907 465 6827 [email protected] Senator Jesse Kiehl | Alaska State Capitol, Rm. 419, 4th Avenue & Main Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by [email protected]