Sen. Hughes weighs in on hated PFD scheme, school funding bill, Alaska’s dire fiscal reality
The following column is excepted from Sen. Shelley Hughes’ (R-Palmer) May 5 email to constituents. It addresses controversial PFD proposals, a less than ideal school funding bill, and the dire fiscal reality that the state now faces after years of
OPINION: Alaska’s judicial branch has darkened the light of liberty
Vladimir Nabokov writes in Speak, Memory (1951), “Our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.” Many interpret this as an expression of nihilism — but is it truly? Rather than despair, Nabokov’s “brief crack of
INVITE: Find out how to bring the Gospel to public school students in Anchorage
We’re seeing record lows in church attendance, biblical literacy and professions of faith, and all-time highs in depression among youth. To turn this tide, we're launching the first LifeWise Academy at Clark Middle School in
OPINION: Here’s how Alaska funds schools – a failing formula
The Anchorage School District (ASD) is in financial trouble, and instead of taking responsibility, they’re demanding the rest of Alaska pay for it.
Don’t let green colonialists sacrifice Alaska on the altar of false environmentalism
We cannot allow Alaska to be sacrificed on the altar of a false environmental gospel. We must reject the green colonialism that seeks to chain our future to someone else's
SEN. HUGHES: Alaska doesn’t need more taxes, PFD cuts or savings withdrawal to rectify budget
What about the budget the legislature is working on now for FY2026 that begins July 1? The spring forecast is $70 million less than the fall forecast. With the unsustainably high base student allocation (BSA) increase of $1000 in the House Majority’s bill,
OPINION: Is that the stench of corruption or coverup in Alaska’s Judiciary?
Alaska’s judicial system faces two monumental problems that are destroying public confidence in the institution. There is the appearance of judicial misconduct, combined with an apparent effort to cover it
OPINION: What America can learn from the decline of world empires
Elected government officials, policy makers, educators and the society at large must clearly understand that ignorance, irresponsible government mandates and disregard of historic patterns may create irreversible socio–economic
How Alaska’s bureaucratic special interests serve entrenched power, not public good
This vicious cycle of special interest control, fueled by political patronage and cyclical funding flows, demands that we scrutinize and, ultimately, reform our system to ensure that it truly serves the public
SEN. HUGHES: Despite union claims, growing Alaska school choice options helps all students
This week I expect much of my focus to be on policy and funding discussions to help our students and teachers achieve better outcomes as we move forward. Governor Dunleavy held a lengthy press conference on the topic late last week, and I agree that it is our
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