Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: The Aftermath of the End of Regular Session
When 27th Alaska Legislature concluded shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 15, the Governor called us to Special Session to address three issues:
• He introduced a new oil tax bill, combining elements of several other proposals, but the bottom line remains a dramatic reduction in state tax take with the hope of, but no firm commitment to, new oil production. House Resource committee hearings do not start until this afternoon because of the absence of Chair Feige so, I’m attending Senate Resources committee meetings.
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Rep. Miller’s District 7 Update: Special Session Edition
Hello from Juneau! Yes, after a long 90-day session, we’re still here to finish some outstanding issues. One of those has already been completed-the Legislature yesterday passed a bill that strengthens laws against sexual trafficking. Still on the docket are bills regarding an in-state gasline and oil taxes.
House Bill 9 is a bill that would provide more powers to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to build an in-state gasline. While I fully support the concept of the bill-to get a gasline constructed-I have deep concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight AGDC would gain from it. I, along with several of my colleagues, attempted to amend the bill to provide for more Legislative oversight before it passed the House several weeks ago.
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Rep. Doogan in Juneau: Special Stuck in Lodi Again Edition
Well, isn’t that “Special?”
Now playing at your local LIO: The Further Adventures of Sean Parnell, Governor Extraordinaire.
Starring Parnell as, God help us, himself. With special appearances by the Mikes (Chenault and Hawker, that is). Produced by the friendly folks at BP, Conoco and Exxon, and assistant producers AOGA, the Alliance and the “Make Alaska Competitive Coalition.”
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Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Special Session Update
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Sine Die to Another Special Session
Dear Neigbors,
The 27th Alaska Legislature adjourned in the early hours on Monday with acclamation from the House on a job ‘well done.’ The Legislature satisfied the Constitutional requirement of passing a budget and passed a handful of bills to improve the lives of people, lower the cost of energy and keep Alaska on firm economic footing. Within an hour of adjournment, members received the unfortunate news that we would be forced into special session to reconsider the Governor’s tax breaks for big oil corporations. It has been a contentious issue for the last two years and has not received sufficient statewide support from lawmakers. The 30-day special session began today at 1pm at a price tag of around $35K per day.
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