MARCH 4, 2013

Tomorrow: Weigh in on the budget

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, the House Finance committee is reviewing the operating budget for the State of Alaska. This is the time for you to comment. Below, I’ve highlighted a few changes to programs that may or may not affect you.

Make your voice heard

If you’re located in Anchorage, they will be hearing testimony on the Operating Budget from 4 – 5:15 PM on Tuesday, March 4. To testify, go to the Anchorage Legislative Information Office located at 716 W 4th Ave. Public comment will be LIMITED TO 2 MINUTES EACH. Please limit your testimony to this time.

To offer public comment, Individuals should go to their area Legislative Information Office (LIO), or call 465-4648 for details. A call-in phone number is available for those who do not live near an LIO, or for whom it is a hardship to get to an LIO: 855.463.5009

Health & Social Services

The House Budget Subcommittee on Health & Social Services has recommended a $8,368,800 ($8.3 million) reduction in general funds for Behavioral Health Services. These local, community-based services include:

· mental health treatment

· substance abuse treatment

· detox services

· services for youth with severe emotional disturbance

· supported housing

· peer support services

· suicide prevention

· tribal behavioral health services

· services for seniors with co-occurring disorders

· parent and peer navigation

· services related to domestic violence and sexual assault

· prevention and early intervention

· programs that support reunifying and keeping families together

Education

The Education Budget Subcommittee has proposed significant cuts to the Education budget. There were several programs that were denied funding in addition to approximately $800,000 in cuts recommended. Cuts to the programs include:

· Jobs for America’s Graduates program

· Rural Transition Services

· Pre-kindergarten Grants

· Parents as Teachers is underfunded

Dates and Times

Tuesday, March 5, 2013
1:30-2:30 PM – Juneau (arrive 15 minutes early to expedite the sign-in process)
2:45-3:45 PM - Cordova and Offnets (Bethel, Kotzebue, Nome, Valdez & Wrangell)
4:00-5:15 PM - Anchorage

Wednesday, March 6, 2013
1:30-2:45 PM – Fairbanks
3:00-4:00 PM - Sitka, Petersburg, Barrow, Dillingham, Unalaska, Delta Junction
4:15-5:15 PM - Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su, Glennallen, Tok, Seward

Thank you for your time. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Representative Geran Tarr

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