Weather
One Man’s Hunger Strike Continues in Juneau Over School Meals BillKokayi Nosakhere says 51,000 Alaska children are hungryRelated Content
Putting his money where his mouth is – or in this case his stomach – a child hunger advocate says he's not going to eat until state lawmakers hear a bill that has been on hold since last year. From peanut butter drives in Anchorage to holding signs, we have seen and heard Kokayi Nosakhere before. His journey to end child hunger in Alaska has him now in the capital city. He's taking on the State House Finance committee to ask them why Senate Bill 3 hasn't been heard. In a journey to find answers, it's one of Nosakhere’s long-standing missions. “We are ending day eight of the Juneau hunger strike,” said the hunger advocate in a YouTube message. No stranger to fighting against child hunger in Alaska, he's taken the battle to Juneau. He's refusing to eat and demanding answers about a bill designed to give more kids meals at school. It passed the State Senate last year but it hasn't even made it out of the House Finance Committee. "We will not let allow Senate Bill 3 die in committee,” said Nosakhere. "They are holding up a very good bill that takes care of social ills and pays for itself, which means it’s perfect in the world of politics.” In January 2012, CBS 11 News asked members of the State House Finance Committee for answers, and again this week for this story. We also called the person in charge of scheduling bills for hearing, Representative Bill Stoltze, to ask why the bill hadn't been scheduled for hearing. “Sorry I don't have the answer to that question; you'll have to Representative Stoltze,” said Representative Mike Doogan, D-Anchorage. “I'm not sure if Representative Stoltze has a problem with a bill or not, I can't speak for him,” said Representative Les Gara, D-Anchorage. Representative Bill Stoltze has not returned any of the calls we've placed to his office in the last six months. Nosakahere is determined to get lawmakers to listen through his hunger strike. "Stop acting as if elected officials are private CEO’s who can do what they want to do,” said Nosakhere. What's at stake is Alaska's future, he says. "Right now 51,000 Alaskan children are hungry, in September, October, and November what record from this legislature will you be able to run on.” Whether lawmakers will pay attention or return phone calls remains to be seen. According to the state legislature bill action website, Senate Bill 3 was passed by the Senate in February of 2011. It was assigned to the House Finance Committee in March but has yet to be scheduled. Nosakhere says he will remain on his hunger strike until it’s heard. |
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
|
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .
Wow... said on Tuesday, Feb 28 at 4:24 PM
Can't come up with a better character assassination than "he didn't tip me once"? Getting rusty, methinks.
82536174Stiffed by Striker said on Friday, Feb 24 at 4:40 PM
Actually Mike, I can count on one hand how many times I've been stiffed in 20 plus years of serving. This has a lot to do with how offensive it is to be stiffed. It's the worst insult a server will encounter. Only the lowest of society would consider doing such a thing. I think it is great what Mr. Nasakhere is doing for the kids and for the service industry by not eating.
82204792Mike J. said on Monday, Feb 20 at 1:18 AM
Mr Nasakhere trying to help ensure the school kids are fed, and 'Stiffed' wants to condemn him because he didn't tip him? Judging from your comments and attitude, betting there were plenty of others that also didn't find your service deserving.
81686002doomcow said on Friday, Feb 17 at 5:09 PM
Old Timer: I believe the bill is aimed at increasing nutrional value in the school lunches for Alaskan kids. Which would probably help with prevent a tendency toward obesity, as well as contribute to better brain function and success in school.
81550356Stiffed by Striker said on Friday, Feb 17 at 12:20 AM
Anonymous, I'm not serving at the moment, so no need for you to worry about that. I cannot control weather someone treats others with respect and dignity. But, when the dregs of society, jump on a soap box in front of news cameras and end up on the internet, someone is going to point this out... with pleasure :)
81508363anonymous said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 10:44 PM
Hey stiffed....................give it up. If it bothers you so much get a different job. Life is too short to be consumed by things you CANNOT control.
81506996Stiffed by Striker said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 10:10 PM
Actually he received perfect service. He praised my service and the food. I noticed, from a distance, as he removed every last dollar from the check book. This was no mistake. And, yes all servers expect tips. Middle class American etiquette requires that you to tip servers a minimum of 15% unless something horrible goes wrong with the service. Even foreigners, which Mr. Nosakhere is not, are expected to know the customs of the land, and abide. It was obvious that he thought that his righteous mission in life, designates him exempt from this custom. Annoyed at Stiffed... You are miss informed about tipping being optional. While you're not legally required, try stiffing the same server, more than once, for no reason, at a good non corporate restaurant, and see how long until the management asks you not to return. And see how many people are still willing to dine with you.
81506441old timer said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 8:43 PM
Just wondering where all these hungry kids are? Having lived in this state for over fifty years it seems that there are plenty of services already. Free lunches, food stamps for home. It looks like we have more over weight kids then hungry ones, maybe that is why the bill isn't moving?
81504196good to see said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 7:01 PM
Good to see Alaskans being well.....Alaskan. You people would eat your young!
81500508EagleWood said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 6:45 PM
Apparently, hunger is not an issue of concern for the Alaskan government. Is it that hungry kids can't vote? Is this the normal course of business? Judging by the discussion about his appreciation of wait service, he stands alone this issue... Amazing!
81499953Open Minded said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 3:42 PM
Maybe you did a poor job, and he felt you didn't deserve a tip.
81492517Anonymous said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 3:22 PM
Maybe your service didnt deserve a tip, I mean it is called a "gratuity"
81491549Annoyed at Stiffed... said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 1:32 PM
I understand that Mr. Nosakhere is doing the right thing, but to chide him for not tipping? That is outright disgusting. If you work in a tipping industry and you expect tips, you are going to be sadly let down. No where does it say that you have to tip; that's why it's called a gratuity.
81486168Stiffed by Striker said on Thursday, Feb 16 at 11:05 AM
While I applaud Mr. Nosakhere's dedication to this important cause, I hope that when he does begin to eat again, he will find enough compassion for those who serve him, to stop stiffing waiters. Mr. Nosakhere, all most everyone in the society you live in, consider stiffing the wait staff, similar to theft of services. If tipping is a culture standard you disagree with, you should eat at places that do not provide service or simply cook for yourself. I wish you luck on your mission and hope that you raise much awareness for this cause.
81478354Add a comment
Most Popular