Legislature Grants Free Death Certificates to Families of Deceased Veterans

Rep. Gruenberg bill pays respect in time of mourning by reducing costs, easing red tape

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Legislature passed legislation allowing a surviving spouse, next of kin, or other relative of a deceased veteran to get up to four free certified death certificates of the deceased. Families often need a certified copies of a death certificate to process various benefits for which they are entitled as a result of their loss.

Legislature Gives University Regents Process to Remove Members for Cause

Bill protects Board of Regents from adverse actions of individual members

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Legislature passed legislation creating a process for the University of Alaska Board of Regents to remove a regent for cause. The bill is a carefully crafted response to the unfortunate situation in 2007 where a regent refused to step down while being prosecuted for fraud.

NEWS: Rep. Gara Again Calls for Answers from Port

The state needs to know if Port of Anchorage will keep coming back for more $$

JUNEAU – Today on the House Floor, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) again demanded the Port of Anchorage tell Alaskans whether it’s asking for $350 million as it now claims or $1.2 billion as it has as recently as November 2011. The Port project has been plagued with hundreds of millions of dollars in cost overruns.

NEWS: House Democrats Mourn the Loss of Representative Carl Gatto

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the passing of Representative Carl Gatto:

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Representative Carl Gatto. Carl’s friendship went beyond politics. He was an intelligent man who loved doing the people’s work in the Legislature. He never let passions over an issue interfere with his genuine respect for and kindness to his colleagues, constituents and anyone he came in contact with. We will miss his smile, kindness and humor, and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, his family and all who are mourning his loss today.”

NEWS: Legislature Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Enforce Consumer Protections

“Alaska should not have its hands tied waiting for the federal government to protect our citizens”

This morning, the Alaska State Senate passed HB 274, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes to bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

Currently, a loophole in state law prevents the state from enforcing Alaska’s Consumer Protection laws in cases where federal and state responsibility overlap.

NEWS: House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska’s Housing Economy

REPRESENTATIVE LINDSEY HOLMES (907) 465-4919 www.replindseyholmes.com rep.lindsey.holmes@legis.state.ak.us CONTACT: James Waldo Legislative Aide   April 11, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska's Housing Economy "We need to take charge to guarantee Alaska's housing market stays strong"   This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 269, a bill by [...]

NEWS: Rep. Gara to Point Out Potential $2+ Billion State Liability for “Private” Knik Arm Bridge Project;

“Until 2 years ago the state and federal officials promised the Knik Bridge would be built with private funds, and operated by a private company. With a new Governor and new mayor in Anchorage, that has changed. Now the state is likely on the hook for upwards of $2 billion or more in liability to the “private” developer when tolls don’t pay for the cost of construction and operation of the project,” said Rep. Gara.

House Democrats Optimistic About Big Gasline Announcement

“It’s very encouraging to see new focus on the line that gets the most for Alaska”

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to the announcement about a large-scale gas pipeline from the North Slope:

“It is very encouraging to see new focus on a big gas pipeline from the North Slope and the potential for an All-Alaska line. A big export line gets the most for Alaska – new incentives to develop on the North Slope, the cheapest gas for Alaskans, and the best opportunity to create opportunities for generations of Alaskans. We look forward to working with industry, the governor and other members of the Legislature to make this long-time Alaska dream a reality.”

Rep. Gara Repeats Call That Port Not Keep Returning For More Public Money

JUNEAU – Today Rep. Les Gara (D-Anch.) repeated his call to the Port of Anchorage that it promise not to come back for more public funds if it gets $350 million from the state. The Port project has been plagued with hundreds of millions of dollars in cost overruns.

“This project started out as a $275 million proposal. Then it was $500 million. Then $700 million. Then the former Port Director said it would be $1 billion more for three needed sections. When does it stop? I’m not comfortable putting unlimited funds into a project until I know it’s been efficiently designed,” said Gara.

NEWS: Interior Democrats Fight for Fairbanks in Small Gasline Proposal

Without fixes, bill would undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans

JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, Interior House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect Fairbanks’ and Alaskans’ interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.

“As it is, this bill would repeat many of the mistakes Alaskans have made in the past,” said Rep. David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). “We have an oil line right through the Interior and we still pay some of the highest energy prices in the nation, and without significant changes, this bill would let us watch a gasline go by without any real benefit to Fairbanks.”