Recent proposed budget cuts to the Alaska Rural Communications Service (ARCS), public broadcasting, and early childhood funds in the FY 2016 budget threaten vital services and programs in our rural Alaska communities.
- The Alaska State House recently cut all early childhood funds, including $937,500 for Best Beginnings and $681,000 for Parents as Teachers. More than 50% of our children already begin kindergarten NOT fully prepared with all the skills and knowledge experts say they need for
success.
- The State of Alaska has operated ARCS (formerly called RATnet) in partnership with rural village community organizations and urban television broadcasters for more than three decades. ARCS and public broadcasting provide an unparalleled level of local public service by providing vital weather, aviation and marine information and forecasts; emergency, health and safety information; community information; music; and public affairs programming. Public radio and television broadcasting and ARCS are also the primary participants in the Emergency Alert System, which broadcasts local, statewide and national emergency declarations. Together, ARCS and public broadcasting provide vital services to Alaska residents in remote areas that would not be possible without support from the State of Alaska.
We understand that budget cuts are needed this year, but cost-effective initiatives that benefit rural Alaska like these should not stripped of their total funding. Providing at least adequate state funds for rural Alaska services will enable these services to maintain their supportive networks while seeking other resources.
You can make a difference!
Contact your local elected official with the information below and tell them to support rural Alaska programs and services like ARCS, public broadcasting, and early childhood funds in the FY 2016 budget.
- Find your local representative and senator by clicking here
- Contact Senate President Senator Meyer at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Toll-Free: 866-465-4945
- Phone: 907-465-4945
- Fax: 907-465-3476
- Contact House Speaker Representative Chenault at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Toll-Free: 800-469-3779
- Phone: 907-465-3779
- Fax: 907-465-2833
Feel free to copy and paste this sample language to send to your elected official.
Dear Senator or Representative,
I support the funding of ARCS, public broadcasting, early childhood funds, and other vital rural Alaska services. I understand that budget cuts are needed this year, but cost-effective initiatives that benefit rural Alaska like these should not stripped of their total funding. Providing at least adequate state funds for rural Alaska services will enable these services to maintain their supportive networks while seeking other resources.
Please protect funding ARCS, Satellite Services, public broadcasting, early childhood funds, and other vital rural Alaska services.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Hometown/Zip Code