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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 15h

To add insult to injury the fired federal employees will need to find health care which costs are guaranteed to triple in some places if Trump and the Republicans in Congress have their way.

This is all designed to inflict maximum harm on Americans. Hard working, dedicated Americans.

Anchorage Daily News @adn.com · 19h

The White House budget office said Friday that mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers as the government shutdown continues. www.adn.com/nation-world...

Firings of federal workers begin as White House seeks to pressure Democrats in government shutdown

The director of the Office of Management and Budget said that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

I spoke at the NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington executive board inauguration tonight.

I shared words from one of the org's founders, W.E.B. Du Bois:

"It is wrong to encourage a man or a people in evil doing; it is wrong to aid and abet a national crime simply because it is unpopular not to do so."

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

As a graduate of the UAA psychology department, I know the quality of our faculty is unmatched and I hope that during reconsideration, members recognize that Alaska desperately needs school psychologists who are well trained and prepared to serve Alaska's unique and diverse students population. 5/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

The board has asked UAA to resubmit the application after taking into consideration board member comments.

Last I checked, no board member is a

✅ licensed school psychologist
✅ faculty of a master's level school psychology program
✅ academic researcher of school psychology curricula 4/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

The vote denies UAA approval to develop a 63-credit hour program that would allow Alaskans to earn a MS degree that meets state licensure requirements.

Only 9 Alaskan school districts employ a licensed psychologist.

We have 52 school districts. 3/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

Not only is Alaska one of two states that DOES NOT have a state program which meets national licensure requirements for school psychologists.

But our psychologists to student ratio is 1:1,662.

The recommended ratio is 1:500.

Alaskans wanting advanced training have to leave the state...2/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

AK State Board of Education just denied conditional approval of a new UAA MS degree in school psychology.

One of the objecting members referenced a draft policy by the national accreting agency which mentions CRT. 1/🔥🧵

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

🥰🫶🏽

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

Polls consistently show that Americans want lawmakers to work together.

But more importantly, as a lawmaker, my value is my trustworthiness.

Once a lawmaker breaks their word, it's really hard to collaborate without always wondering if there's eventually gonna be a knife in your back.

Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 1d

Yes!

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 2d

Why did DEED change its tune??

Because 👏of 👏you👏

Your 600 comments. Your relentless push for transparency, fact-based findings, and accountability.

Alaska's kids were at risk of losing lunch programs, after school activities, family supports, and you stood up.

I couldn't be more thankful.

Anchorage Daily News @adn.com · 3d

Alaska's education department is asking the state school board not to pass a controversial regulation change that could limit school funding from local governments, instead asking for it to be sent back to the department for further refinement.

Alaska education officials ask for another delay on proposed change to funding regulations

Local officials warn that services and funds provided to school districts by boroughs and municipal governments could be cut if the state’s proposed regulation passes.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 3d

I'll be speaking on Oct 18 and I will highlight that nobody has a "mandate," and especially when they only received 49.8% of the popular vote.

Ignoring the concerns, needs, interests, and wants of over 50% of the electorate means you aren't governing - you are dictating.

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 4d

My girl Carolyn Hall hit the ball out the park on this one.

"We must defend the freedom of our press. Our republic depends on it."

www.adn.com/opinions/202...

Opinion: Local journalism is too important to give up on, and the First Amendment is too important to surrender

What happened at the Homer News shows what’s at stake.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

Violations of the Hatch Act carry no statute of limitations and can results in fines or imprisonment or both. 5/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

The Hatch Act DOES NOT apply to specific civilians in the military nor the President or VP, but there are specific caveats that prohibit intimidation, commands, or coercion of federal government employees engaging or not engaging in any political activity. 4/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

Over the years, amendments loosen restricts preventing public employees from running for local elected office while maintaining strict prohibitions on public employees engaging in partisan political activities on government time. 3/5

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

Driven by widespread allegations that local Democrats were using federal employees to influence congressional races, Senator (D-NM) introduced the bill while Senator Morris Sheppard (D-TX) investigated.

While the allegations were never verified, Roosevelt signed the act into law in 1939. 2/5

What Is the Hatch Act and Why Was Established in 1939?

The 1939 law was created in the wake of a scandal.

www.history.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 5d

On today's #sundaystory: The Hatch Act

Passed in 1939 and named after NM Senator Carl Hatch (D), the "Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities" prohibits civil and executive branch federal employees from engaging in political activities and ensures promotions are based on merit. 1/🧵

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 8d

After listening to EK & TNC, I am left with this:

“Now let us begin. Now let us re-dedicate ourselves to the long and bitter, but beautiful, struggle for a new world.” MLK, Jr.

The destination was never in question and I refuse to change the goalposts simply because we are behind.

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 10d

💯

Pat Race @pat.alaskarobotics.com · 10d

#akleg The governor indicates that he prefers a comprehensive fiscal plan while serving as the main obstacle to a comprehensive fiscal plan.

Gov. Dunleavy vetoes bill to apply income tax on out-of-state businesses operating online

Sen. Bill Wielechowski, the Anchorage Democrat who spearheaded work on the bill, said it is unclear whether there is enough support to override the veto.

www.adn.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 10d

Um...I believe our President just announce to the UN that global warming/climate change is "the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world"...so...

Nope. Can't even spin that to be snarky nor funny. We are doomed.

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 11d

💯

Along with the inherent wealth transfer from the poorest to the richest codified in HR 1 and the cancellation of hundreds of millions in federal education funding, it is not a huge leap to think this is all orchestrated against specific socioeconomic classes.

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 11d

Happy National Coffee Day??? 🫠🥴

Forbes @forbes.com · 11d

The cost of coffee is on the rise, thanks to tariffs. Congress has introduced a bill to scrap the tax—a move that could be popular as more Americans reach for a cup.

As Tariffs Send Coffee Prices Soaring, Some In Congress Are Brewing Up A Solution

The cost of coffee is on the rise, thanks to tariffs. Congress has introduced a bill to scrap the tax—a move that could be popular as more Americans reach for a cup.

www.forbes.com

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 12d

Today, the work to build a more perfect union continues, just like it has since the founding of this great experiment in representative democracy. 11/11

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Löki Gale Tobin @lgtobin.bsky.social · 12d

In 2025, Pres Trump issued an Executive Order effectively prohibiting all DEI policies at public schools and began canceling or withholding federal funding from private schools unless they removed their DEI policies. 10/11

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