Since 2008, the legislative session has been a quick 90 days. Previously, we had 120 days to introduce, debate and finalize legislation. With such a short time of deliberation, legislation moves fast. I’ve diligently asked the hard questions about the true impacts of legislation to regular, everyday families.
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Today I filed legislation no party in power would like. It will give you back your vote by eliminating the power the party in power has to gerrymander districts in their favor. This hasn’t been a monopoly of Republicans, though they gerrymandered Alaska’s lines most recently in 2012. Parties have used their majority status to “gerrymander” districts, to try to pre-determine election results, since Governor Elbridge Gerry did it in 1812.
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There’s still quite a bit of work to do on the budget, and your input is needed. If you live in Anchorage, testimony is Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:45. The temporary legislative information office (LIO) is located at 733 W 4th Ave, Suite 100 (right across the street from the former location). You must sign in to testify, and testimony is limited to two minutes per person. A list of testimony times and days for people around the state can be found below.
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JUNEAU - Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) released the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to initiate the process outlined in section 404 (c) of the Clean Water Act in regards to protecting the Bristol Bay area and its fisheries from potential damage caused by development of the Pebble Mine.
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One of the most amazing parts of working in the Legislature is the ability to truly make a difference in the lives of Alaskans. There is an issue I have been working on that is very important to me and has influenced the lives of countless Alaskans, but remains hidden from public discussion: child sexual abuse.
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