1. United States
2. Alaska
3. Letter

I’m writing as a parent and Alaskan who believes deeply in the value of public education. I urge you to pass a permanent and substantial increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA)—this session, before it’s too late to stop the devastating cuts to Anchorage schools and others around the state. I am happy to forgo my Permanent Fund Dividend indefinitely to fully fund our schools. That’s how much I value our children’s education and future. What is Alaska without strong schools? Without hockey? Without music, gifted programs, language immersion, and the educators who inspire our kids every day? I’ve seen the difference these programs make. My child thrived in the IGNITE program for gifted learners—finding challenges, excitement, and a sense of belonging. And I can’t imagine a high school experience without hockey—our kids deserve more than just the basics. Cutting all of this, along with 200 teachers, nurses, and librarians, sends a heartbreaking message about what we value. I hope we can send a different message—one of support, stability, and investment in the next generation. Please work to pass a $1,000+ increase to the BSA and secure sustainable education funding going forward. I want to look back and know we chose to build up our schools, not tear them down.