(ANCHORAGE) - Today the Senate Majority reacted positively to Governor Frank Murkowski's plan to increase funding to classrooms across Alaska and strengthen the retirement plans for the educators dedicated to teaching our children.

Senate President Ben Stevens (R- Anchorage) and Majority Leader Gary Stevens (R - Kodiak) both say education will be a top priority in the upcoming session.

"Providing the extra dollars to local school districts early means teachers and administrators can focus on providing a better education to our kids, instead of worrying about how many teachers will get pink slips next spring," says President Stevens.

Majority Leader Gary Stevens adds, "We are glad to see the Governor taking the initiative on early K-12 funding, just as we did last session, the Senate Majority plans to make education a cornerstone of the 24th Legislature."

The Legislative session begins in Juneau on January 10th.

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