Letters to the editor

Concerned about funding for schools

To the editor:

Our schools are in crisis and Speaker Tilton (R-Wasilla) stated in an ADN article (3/1/23) that it would likely be two years before anything could happen to help fund schools more.

That's a long time for a 9 year old who keeps missing school because the busses aren't running.( The state has kept school transportation funding the same since 2015. )

Good teachers and principals don't want to work in Alaska because the pay is less than average and the retirement system is arguably the worst in the country. Student transportation is a mess and teachers and programs are being cut and cancelled across the state. Teachers across the state may strike soon

because districts can't afford fair contracts.

Money isn't everything, but you're not going to get great schools for nothing. We can afford great schools. So why aren't we doing it?

Please call Speaker Tilton and ask her to explain why she doesn't seem to consider increasing school funding a priority in this legislative session.

Ask her to work with the Co-Chairs of the House Education Committee, Rep. Allard (R-Eagle River) and Rep. Ruffridge (R-Soldotna).

This committee seems to be sitting on HB65, increasing school funding. Speaker Tilton can help make this a priority. Or not.

Some legislators use the talking point that they want more "accountability." Well, guess what? The legislature and the governor are ultimately accountable for the public school system in this state.

Please call your legislators and tell them to get the job done. Now.

Michael Bucy,

Juneau

Horrified about lawmaker’s remarks

To the editor:

I was horrified that Rep. David Eastman said that he had heard an argument that when child abuse is fatal, it could economically benefit a society. In other words, it's cheaper for the state if a child DIES from child abuse, instead of needing counseling or other services after surviving that abuse. He was quoted as saying “It can be argued, periodically, that it’s actually a cost savings because that child is not going to need any of those government services that they might otherwise be entitled to receive and need based on growing up in this type of environment.”

I have no idea where he would have "heard" an utterly cruel statement like that. To repeat such nonsense is unforgivable.

Although I live in the area he "represents", this man will NEVER represent my views. I'm angry that he keeps being reelected.

Shorti Elder,

Wasilla