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.”
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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).
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Committee Approves Bill to Restrict Minors’ Cell Phone Use While Driving
Rep. Gardner: “It’s important we do what we can to keep teens focused on the road”
JUNEAU – Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed legislation by Rep. Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) that would restrict minors from using their cell phones while behind the wheel.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Operating Budget Heats Up
Plus: Coastal Management Hearing on Monday
I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who came and testified in the House Finance Committee this week. It is not easy to speak before the Legislature and everyone did a wonderful job. Hear what they had to say below.
I’m pleased to announce that legislation to reinstate the Alaska Coastal Management Program will be heard in House Resources on Monday (more below).
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Rep. Les Gara: Governor’s Education Proposal Really $10 million Over Last Year, Not $30 million
Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) released the following statement on the governor’s proposal to give additional one-time funding to Alaska’s schools.
“The governor shouldn’t suggest a $10 million increase over last year is a $30 million increase. It’s less than 1 percent more than last year’s school funding and is roughly one quarter of what schools need just to keep up with inflation. The governor gave all his other departments inflation adjustments for salary and fuel increases, just not for Alaskans’ educational opportunity.”
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