Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Unnaccountable and Unnaccountable Billions
It looks as though the Governor’s oil tax reduction proposal, HB110, will pass the House later this evening. I have to say that I’m still shocked that legislators will support legislation with a price tag of uncountable billions, and with a complete lack of accountability or any “pay for performance” from the oil industry - who steadfastly refuse to guarantee any new production or any new jobs. The bill will move to the Senate for consideration.
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Oil Giveaway: Even in Unlikely Event it Works, Alaska Still Loses
State numbers show even more production won’t overcome billions in lost revenues
JUNEAU – According to a new fiscal note from the Alaska Department of Revenue, Governor Parnell’s proposal to give large tax breaks to the oil industry would still cost the state billions of dollars in lost revenue even if future oil production increases. Because producers have not committed to increasing investment, exploration or production should the bill pass, the administration used arbitrary scenarios assuming various degrees of increased production. No scenario showed Alaska making back lost revenues once the bill takes full effect.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Constituent Meeting Success; Training Our Own; Tax Breaks for Big Oil Producers;
The constituent meeting in Fairbanks was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who was able to take time out of a busy and sunny spring day to attend. There were so many of you who attended that we exceeded the maximum capacity of the room! Once again, thank you for coming to express your comments and concerns. I look forward to updating you all on these final days of the session.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Dear Governor: Who’s Threatening the Alaska Economy?
Today amendments and debate will start on the Governor’s oil tax rollback bill in the House Finance Committee – where I have to run in a few minutes. I’d like to update you on that, a potential crisis in education funding that has school districts gagging with worry, and a few of my bills that are moving (fishing stream access; insurance coverage for colonoscopy screening; and foster care reform).
The Governor’s Number’s Add Up – for Exxon, British Petroleum and Conoco – But Not for You.
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Alaska House Approves Alaska Public Gardens Day
Bill would establish day to recognize unique role of public gardens in Alaska
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives moved to establish Alaska Public Gardens Day on the Saturday immediately preceding Memorial Day each year. By passing HB 18, the House recognized the role gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship, the economy, education, plant conservation, recreation and research in Alaska.
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