I am excited to start the 29th Alaska Legislature. But like many Alaskans I am anxious about our future. We face a crisis that threatens our livelihoods and futures. The Republican leadership promoted unstainable spending and shifted the benefits of our resources to outside interests. Our situation was made worse with the sudden drop in oil prices.
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Jointly Written Costello and Gara Bill Makes Communities and AHFC Housing More Vibrant, More Available
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) issued the following statement on a bill sponsor Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) and he as a co-sponsor wrote and worked on together. The Bill, HB 50, passed the House today. A description of the bill is more fully detailed in a press release sent out by the House Republican Press Office today.
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Alaska doesn’t have to be a company town to be a resource state. But to be a successful resource state, we must get our resources to market and get a fair return for selling them. That’s why Alaska Democratic legislators put forward a proposal to spark development of new fields, squeeze more oil from existing fields, and advance non-tax ideas for getting more oil out of the ground and into the pipeline.
It’s simple: Production before reduction. Our bill puts Alaska first instead of giving away billions of dollars for nothing but promises and the status quo. If an oil company puts more oil in the pipeline than they are now, they pay less in taxes on that oil.
Read More →For many Alaskans, going back to school is an exciting time of year. Students are excited to see their friends and take on new challenges. And parents are proud — even sometimes a bit relieved — as their children get back on the bus after a busy Alaska summer. It’s a fresh start, a chance to build on past experience and an opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge.
Read More →As students go back to school, it is a good time to reflect on what we expect from our education system and how to meet those expectations. As technology, globalization and a changing economy create new challenges and opportunities for Alaskans, it is important that our schools provide all students with the education they need to succeed in the 21st century world.
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