...and the livin' is easy and the fish are jumpin' SUBSCRIBE ‌ ‌ Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we near the end of the dog days of summer, I’m reminded just how much I love downtown Anchorage. There are so many things to do and see, music to hear, and restaurants to linger at. I’m elated at the rejuvenation that is present – the beautiful hanging baskets and clean sideways courtesy of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership. The sounds and smells of hot dog vendors and the whiz of a frisbee on the Park Strip. This past year has been none like any other, and it warms my heart to see the slow return of the things I love. But, unfortunately, I still have to remind myself that we are still living in a pandemic. With COVID-19 cases again on the rise, I urge all of you to stay safe, consider getting your vaccine if you haven’t already, and take care of each other. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, we will learn more about what is happening here in the Alaska State Legislature. I look forward to updating you on the progress of the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Working Group and when the third special session will begin. As always, my office is here for you for whatever you need. All my best, Senator Tom Begich Senate District J Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Working Group Public Testimony Announced during the July 22nd committee meeting, the Comprehensive Fiscal Plan Working Group anticipates opening public testimony on July 31, 2021. The exact time has not yet been noticed, so please stay tuned. More information will be available on my legislative Facebook page. Tribal Compacting for K-12 Education I commend the Department of Education and Early Development for their recent grant to the Alaska Federation of Natives to focus on identifying legal and practical pathways for a state-tribal compact for K-12 grade education. This is a great step that centers indigenous voices at the core of tribal compacting of our K-12 education system. Identifying a path forward led by indigenous leaders, local governments, and local school boards can provide new opportunities that improve education outcomes for all Alaskan students. This investment is just one of many that must take place to bridge the education gap throughout our state. It is clear that public education is the best investment in our future that we as Alaskans can make. I look forward to the process unfolding and working with tribal leaders and to ensure success and improve education outcomes for every Alaskan student. Learn more at [link removed] Investing in Universal Voluntary Pre-K “The scientific, economic research has converged around the insight that the biggest bang for the public investment buck comes from investing in early childhood development programs.” This quote comes from a recent study that continues to underline the economic importance high quality early learning can and will have in our communities. Next week, the Senate and House will meet to talk about early learning and lessons learned from other states. Join us. Joint Senate & House Education Committee Hearing Early Learning Policies – Lessons Learned from Mississippi July 27 – Anchorage LIO - 1:00 pm Dear Friends and Neighbors, I’m afraid I don’t have a green thumb, but I love eating fresh vegetables, so I thought I’d check into what happening at the farmer’s markets. There are three community gardens in the district, one in Mountain View, Fairview, and Russian Jack, and they are well loved and well-tended. I interviewed Bhai who sells the vegetables she grows in the community gardens. I thought maybe the year of COVID, with so many people eating at home, might have spiked sales or expanded people’s eating habits, but no such luck. Bhai tells me most of the other gardeners use their produce for themselves. This year’s cold weather slowed down growth, but didn’t stop it and the vegetables on display by the different growers were so shiny they looked polished. I’ve listed what’s in the market and what’s coming up soon below, but thought I’d tell you about an idea that may make the farmers’ markets’ sales even more diverse. Many of the gardeners also have been making condiments or canning vegetables for their own tables; however, they can’t sell them unless they are made in a commercial kitchen. A commercial kitchen would make the growing/selling population even more self-sufficient. That isn’t the only need for a community use commercial kitchen. It’s exciting to see residents think about what is next for their community. Of course, there are always questions about funding, location, etc…many questions and few answers at this point, but I thought you’d like a sneak preview of what’s going on behind the scenes. Meanwhile, below is a partial list of what’s in the market and what’s just coming in or will soon be in. Enjoy your summer and keep safe, Kayla Available now: collards, green and purple mustard, baby bok choy, curly, Russian and dinosaur kale, apple turnips, peanut and medium purple potatoes, chives, green onions, garlic, cilantro, orch (a salty purple leaf which is an interesting addition to a salad), and radishes. Just arriving or soon to arrive, green beans and peas. My favorite is salad mix which includes a variety of leaves and a few edible flowers. Contact Me! (907) 465-3704 (Juneau / session) (907) 269-0169 (Anchorage / interim) [email protected] ‌ ‌ Sen. Tom Begich | State Capitol Building, 120 4th St, Room 11, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]