Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL LIMPING INTO THE HOME STRETCH EDITION

Bills, We Got Bills

Yesterday was the 66th day of the legislative session. Puts me in mind of the fabulous old TV show Route 66, Tod and Buz off to discover America in a ’59 Corvette. And, of course, it is 2/3s of the Number of the Beast as found in Revelations, an extremely dour book of the Bible.

So it is either an invitation to escape (only 24 days left!!!) or a harbinger of disaster (extended session, special session, name calling!!!). Take your pick.

Rep. Kawasaki Announces Second Constituent Meeting in Fairbanks

Juneau, AK – Representative Scott Kawasaki will hold a constituent meeting March 24, 2012 at the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Chambers from Noon to 2 pm. The event is open to the public.

This meeting comes amidst discussions around energy issues and contentious legislation on oil and gas taxes, both with significant potential impacts to the Interior. Attendees are welcome to bring questions or concerns about these and other issues. The Alaska Legislative session began January 17, 2012 and is scheduled to sine die on Sunday, April 15th.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Highlights from the Operating Budget

Last night the house passed the operating budget for 2013. Although there were several changes I would have liked, I ultimately supported this budget because of the many positive benefits it will bring to all Alaskan families.

Budget highlights

We have expanded pre-kindergarten by adding courses at the university of Alaska to train pre-kindergarten teachers and adding funds for Best Beginnings and Alaska’s Parents as Teachers program (PAT).

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: $9.5 Billion and Still Missed Opportunities

Last night the Alaska State House passed a $9.5 billion operating budget, the largest operating budget in Alaska’s history. This budget pays for general day-to-day activities state agencies, the University of Alaska, education etc. Given its size, as you can imagine, it includes lots of good and important things as well some pork.

I am disappointed about missed opportunities to put our vast wealth into meaningful opportunities for Alaskans.

Rep. David Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Budget, Olnes and Goldstream Lights

Thank you to everyone who testified on the FY 13 Operating budget. The FY13 Operating Budget passed the House last night. Now it will be transferred to the Senate, where the Senate Finance Committee will make their own additions and deletions.

I am sorry to say that the Republican Majority in House Finance has dissolved ANGDA in the operating budget via an amendment.

Beth Kerttula’s Newsletter: Operating Budget Passes House; Coastal Management Update

In this newsletter, I’ll share updates on the state’s operating budget and the Alaska Coastal Management Program. I’m encouraged by some of the good progress that has been made and look forward to even more progress.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL ATTENTION! FREE PIZZA SOON EDITION

Take two amendments and call me in the morning

It appears that serving in the Alaska State House of Representatives could be bad for your health.

And not just your mental health, either. (Although some of these committee meetings do leave me even more befuddled than usual.) I’m talking physical health.

Note from Rep. Gara: Taking Your Marbles & Going Home? Tsk Tsk. The Budget & Higher Ed Scholarship Debate

This week we are debating the operating budget. It’s roughly 4% higher than last year, and while I work in a GOP-controlled House, I also believe in trying to find common ground when I can. I don’t believe in the worst we see from Washington, D.C., where many members reflexively oppose measures sponsored by members of the opposite party.

If you want knee jerk politics, there are plenty of people nationally you can idolize. Those people – whether on the state level, or in Congress where folks constantly filibuster to prevent votes and debate, and the ability for compromise, get nothing done. And they harm the constituents they take an oath to represent.

Democrats Offer Savings, Education, and Energy Budget Amendments

Amendments target proven ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunity

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget targeted to saving money, reducing waste, improving schools, and lowering energy costs.

“Our goal all year has been to find ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunities,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). “The Permanent Fund, our children’s education and Alaska’s home energy efficiency rebates are all proven ways to do that.”

Democrats Move to Restore Funding for Voter-Created Gasline Authority

Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority still valuable to developing gas resources

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered an amendment to the budget to re-instate funding for the voter-created authority that works on developing projects to market Alaska’s natural gas.

“The voters created ANGDA, and it still plays a valuable role in finding ways to get gas to Alaskans,” said Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks).