Welfare for the Fabulously Wealthy
A heady brew of fear, philosophy and political pressure carried Gov. Sean Parnell’s oil tax giveaway bill, HB 110, to a narrow 22-16 victory in the state House on Thursday.
No one was less surprised than me.
Read More →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.
Read More →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.
Read More →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.
Read More →Randy Steidl is an anti-death penalty activist who spent over 17 years in prison, 12 on death row, for a crime he didn’t commit before being exonerated. He has worked to get legislation abolishing the death penalty passed in several states. Read more about this inspiring man’s story below.
Rick Harper is a Houston-based consultant and former president of ARCO gas, who was here to provide independent insight into the Governor’s proposed oil tax reduction. Based upon his decades of experience developing oil and gas resources, he brought great insight into how industry really makes decisions and what legislators should consider when being asked to make a $2 billion per year decision.
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