(JUNEAU) - Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla/Mat-Su) has announced plans to host his second legislative “town hall meeting” of the session in Palmer to seek public input on legislative issues, with an emphasis on K-12 funding. The meeting will be held on the campus of Mat-Su College on Saturday, February 14, 2004, from 1p.m. to 5 p.m., in the Machetanz Building in Room 204. Mat-Su College is located at Mile 2, Trunk Road in Palmer.

“I was very pleased with the turnout at last month’s meeting in Wasilla,” said Kohring. “I was also glad to see such keen interest and how involved people are becoming in their government. I’m encouraged by the support and feel this is a very effective way to communicate with those whom I serve.”

Kohring said the primary purpose of this meeting is to discuss the current education funding problems in the Mat-Su, brought to light by last week’s announcement by the school district that the budget will be cut by $8 million.

“I’m very concerned about the effect cuts will have on the quality of schools in the Valley,” said Kohring. “I wish to engage in a dialogue with my constituents in how best to address this.”

Kohring has also developed a six-part plan intended to improve education in Alaska. He said the goals are three-fold: to create efficiencies, increase competition and add more funding. “I hope to obtain feedback from people at the meeting on how to improve upon the plan,” he said.

The meeting is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

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