Since I asked for this job, I can’t say, at the weirdest Juneau moments, “Help! Get me out of here!” I actually love representing you in Juneau. Things are a bit frantic at work. But I want you to know what’s happening. You are heartily invited to write letters to the editor to get the public activated, if you feel that’s appropriate.
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The state’s $3.5-billion budget deficit has headlined most newspapers this session and overshadowed almost every other issue. My office has received hundreds of calls, emails, letters and messages on a variety of topics ranging from dramatic cuts to schools to the silencing of public radio and the elimination some benefits to seniors. I will personally read and listen to each and every communication and work to protect the critical and constitutionally-mandated functions of government.
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The end is near for the 2015 Legislative Session. Per usual, the gridlock starts as legislators scramble to negotiate for priority issues. This year I expect there to be significant stand offs between the House, Senate and governor over education funding, Medicaid expansion and the future of the gas line.
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JUNEAU – There are now 10 days left in the first session of the 29th Alaska Legislature but there is still no movement on legislation to implement Erin’s Law in Alaska. Erin’s Law has been proven in many other states to prevent child sexual abuse by requiring public school districts to offer prevention curriculum.
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JUNEAU—Today, Representatives Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan) called on the State to prevent the destruction of wild salmon spawning and rearing waters on the prized Chuitna River near Tyonek. The Canadian company PacRim Coal proposes to dredge and dewater an 11 mile stretch of the Middle Fork of the Chuitna River. PacRim Coal plans to sell the coal from the Chuitna River streambed to China.
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