Alaskans made it overwhelmingly clear that we want the most important institution in our communities - our school system - to be properly and adequately funded. If we want to keep our children on a path where it is far more likely that they have the skills, knowledge, and experiences for a life of prosperity and well-being for themselves and their community, then we need to fund the institution that allows them to engage in academics, sports, music, the arts, and everything else that gives them the best possible footing for the rest of their lives, regardless of the path they choose to take.

On the topic of teacher retention, the simplest way to keep the best teachers is to ensure they have good wages and benefits, and that they aren't constantly getting layoff slips because of budget uncertainty. The vast majority of our school district funding is from the state, and I will fight to make sure our schools get adequate funding - and get it on time. It is wasteful, inefficient, and stressful when the district is forced to issue layoff notices only to reverse them when state budget decisions are dragged out. 

As anyone who has run an organization knows, funding predictability is critical - it allows the organization to plan for the future, invest wisely, and recruit and retain the best staff.  By properly and reliably funding our schools we help create pathway for our own children to be able come back to teach in the communities they call home and allows educators who have been trained in Alaska to stay in Alaska.  The base student allocation (BSA) is a formula in state law that is meant to provide stability and predictability, but for nearly a decade, it has failed to do so. I will work to return to properly funding schools through the BSA and end the recent practice of funding schools with "one-time" monies. 

I will also advocate for a mechanism to forward fund our schools to give our educators and administrators the stability they need to best care for our children and serve the community. 
I will strongly advocate to also inflation-proof education funding, so it remains adequate into the future.

I have spent my career helping Alaskan entrepreneurs achieve their goals and start businesses. I support policies that will help support small businesses and new job creation in Alaska. We need more opportunities to grow and diversify Alaska's economy.

Fishing is a critical part of traditional ways of life not just in Southeast, but across Alaska. We have seen devastating closures of fisheries across our state, and I will fight to make sure our salmon are protected for future generations.

Many of our most vulnerable neighbors are suffering from mental health and substance abuse challenges, and we need to invest in support programs to help these Alaskans regain dignity and get back on their feet.