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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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