House Finance Committee To Hold Budget Hearings March 16-19

AASB encourages school districts to take part in a series of legislative teleconferences on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2008. The operating budget (HB 95) appropriates funds for a wide variety of services, including K-12 education. Public schools in Alaska are counting on the Legislature to increase basic support for education this year to help attract and retain quality teachers and meet increasing retirement costs, among other issues.

Each school district in Alaska has a unique perspective on the needs of their students for a quality education. During the AASB Legislative Fly-in last month, school leaders agreed on six key issues that affect schools. The position statement, “School Boards United,” is attached and may be of use in your testimony to the Finance Committee.

The House Finance Committee is taking testimony from the public beginning Friday, March 16, and concluding on Monday, March 19. See the schedule below for the time set aside for testimony from your community:

Thursday, March 15 1:30 p.m.

HB 95 and 96 adoption of committee substitute

Friday, March 16 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Public testimony -- Juneau

Saturday, March 17 10 a.m.

Public testimony

10 - 11:30 a.m. Kenai, Valdez, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Seward, Matsu, Glennallen, Tok.

11:45 to 1:00 p.m. Sitka, Wrangell, Homer, Petersburg, Dillingham, Cordova.

1- 2:00 p.m. Lunch

2:00- 3:15 p.m. Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta Junction, offnets

3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Fairbanks.

Monday, March 19 4:00 p.m.

Public testimony - Anchorage

Tuesday, March 20

House floor vote on HB 95 & 96 (tentative)