Rep. Miller Calls for Facts on Getting Cook Inlet Gas to Fairbanks
If gas is there, it could be the cheapest, fastest way to lower Fairbanks energy costs
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks) introduced legislation (HB 308) to study the potential for meeting Fairbanks and Interior energy needs by building a small-diameter natural gas pipeline from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks.
“If there’s as much gas there as some think, a small pipeline from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks could be the cheapest, fastest long-term solution for lowing energy costs in Fairbanks,” said Rep. Miller. “But we won’t know unless we do our homework first.”
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Democrats Work to End Unlimited Campaign Spending
Legislation would make Alaska a leader in national effort to rein in big-money politics
(JUNEAU) – Today, 13 House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at scaling back rules allowing corporations, wealthy donors, and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money, sometimes in the millions, to get candidates elected. Companion resolutions (HJR 33 and SJR 13) introduced today in the Alaska House and Senate call for a federal constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United case that opened the corporate and union campaign spending floodgates. A separate House bill would return Alaska’s right to limit corporate contributions by making corporations not considered “persons” for purposes of Alaska election law.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Energy, Education and Going RED
The House Resources Committee heard a resolution urging the US Congress to take over Central Park. Many of you may have heard and seen the media attention surrounding HJR 31, a resolution. While I may have found the attempt humorous, most importantly, it’s a huge waste of time and state money.
I spoke up against this kind of satire legislation in the House Resources committee meeting, as the committee awaits 35 bills, some dealing with much-needed relief from the cost of energy that will help Fairbanks families. The message I want to send to the rest of the US is that we are good stewards of our resources, accountable to our constituents, and ready to lead the nation as an energy state.
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Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: And The Award Goes To… Alaska’s Economy!
I returned to Anchorage this past weekend, and boy was it cold! But not as cold as it was in Barrow, the site of the recent Alaskan-filmed movie, Big Miracle – the movie we used to know as Everybody Loves Whales. I was excited to attend the Anchorage premiere of the movie while I was home. Almost every scene featured a local landmark or an Alaskan friend who had been cast in the film. When the credits rolled, the audience erupted in cheers, and we all stayed glued to our seats watching the impressive number of Alaskans and Alaska businesses that took part in the movie. I’m proud of our people and our state, and I’m thrilled that worldwide audiences will get the chance to see both in this film.
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Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Introduction of “PROPERTY TAX FAIRNESS ACT”
You have probably heard the commotion relating to property tax exemptions for some religious properties in Anchorage.
Property tax exemptions for religious facilities and for pastor housing have been a longstanding practice in states and municipalities throughout the nation, including in Alaska. In 2006, the definition of religious property was significantly broadened to include some residences of teachers serving at religious institutions.
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