Reps. Sarah Vance, Justin Ruffridge, and Bill Elam defended their vote in favor of the controversial House Bill 57, which they called a “significant education measure that aims to strengthen Alaska’s public schools while delivering on key commitments made to constituents.”
In a press release on Thursday evening, the three explained their votes.
“Originally introduced as a narrowly focused bill to prohibit cell phone use in classrooms—a policy strongly supported by parents, educators, and school boards—the legislation was later expanded by the Senate into a broader education package. The updated bill now includes a series of substantive reforms and funding increases aimed at improving student outcomes,” the press release said.
“We want to be transparent with our constituents about why we supported this legislation,” the three said in a joint statement. “While HB 57 is no longer a simple bill, it presented a meaningful opportunity to move Alaska’s education system forward.”
Key provisions in the final version of HB 57 include:
• A permanent $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA)
• A 10% increase in student transportation funding
• Charter school reform to expand access and oversight
• A class size cap to reduce overcrowding
• Reading proficiency incentive grants to promote early literacy (dependent on a new tax being signed into law)
• Support for vocational and technical education in secondary schools (dependent on a new tax being signed into law)
“Education funding is the single biggest issue before the Legislature this year,” said Rep. Vance. “We had a choice: make real progress now or risk walking away with nothing. I chose progress.”
The legislators emphasized that while not every reform they advocated for made it into the final bill, the package includes significant strides they believe are in line with many of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s education priorities.
“I gave my word to support education funding that puts students first — and I meant it,” said Rep. Ruffridge. “My vote today reflects that commitment.”
Rep. Elam added, “Is it everything we wanted? No. But it’s a strong, balanced package that reflects thoughtful compromise and keeps our promise to students, families, and teachers.”
In wrap up, the Kenai Peninsula House delegation said it remains committed to ensuring that every education dollar is tied to real results that prepare Alaska’s students for success.
Early on Thursday, the Valley Republican Women of Alaska club issued a rebuke to all Republican legislators who voted for the bill, while ignoring the bill offered by the sitting Republican governor. On the Amy Demboski Show on Thursday, Demboski pulled no punches either, criticizing the Republicans who voted for the bill for caving due to feeling the pressures of the election cycle.
I have to side with the minority here. This bill is irresponsible, especially with regard to the tracking students throughout their lives. Invasive, useless and fiscally irresponsible.
They act like they think we don’t know what’s going on. Does this mean they’re voting for the new tax bill SB 113 coming over from the Senate? If they don’t then there goes the funding for the reading grants and career tech. Who needs 10% more in transportation? That’s just for the unions. The price of gas has gone down 18% in Anchorage since last year and 8% down in Fairbanks. Big old grift for the unions. Now they are trying to justify their votes by saying there are deliverables. There are not even any deliverables on class sizes — it’s all a suggestion. And class sizes are not even a problem in most schools. I’m so over these fake conservatives who cave under the slightest pressure. I hope the Republican women’s clubs primary each one of these.
Sorry folks, there is NOTHING in this bill that improves student outcomes. It is a joke but what would I know I have only been an AK educator in both urban and rural AK for over 40 years. Justin Ruffridge was supported by NEA! Bill is new and will learn walking across the isle means Republicans lose. He probably doesn’t need to vote with his Kenai guy on education ever again. With all the excuses from legislators today it is obvious their constituents really weren’t all those screaming NEA teachers who just wanted more money with little to no accountability. They ban cell phones because districts and principals are too weak to tell kids they aren’t going to have them, but then don’t address absenteeism which is over 40% in Alaska. They have given them over 1/4 billion dollars a year. That doesn’t include reading grants of $450 for paying districts for doing what they should be doing and is open for dishonesty. Where will they get the money (most certainly if oil goes below $70 a barrel)? First your dividend (we know how to spend it better) and then income tax.
Well my support for Vance just vanished. I will never support these tax and spend criminals again. Cutting into PFD payments is a tax.
CUT THE BUDGET!!!! IT IS SO SIMPLE.
The three didn’t want to do the people’s work. When it comes to quality education, good enough isn’t good enough. You need to find easier endeavors.