House Democratic Leader Responds to Governor Pulling the Plug on His Oil Tax Giveaway
April 25, 2012
JUNEAU – Tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to Governor Parnell’s announcement that he is withdrawing his oil tax legislation.
“This is a good day for Alaska. I’m glad the governor just pulled the plug on his bad bill. The writing was on the wall when the governor introduced a bill that was nearly identical to his last giveaway. The facts have never supported giving away more of Alaska’s share, especially for nothing in return. I’m very proud of the House Democrats, and everyone else who worked against his oil tax giveaway.”
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NEWS: Public Fishing Stream Access Bill Signed Into Law
April 25, 2012
Today, the governor signed into law Representative Les Gara’s legislation to ensure future public access to Alaska’s fishing streams, House Bill 144. The bill passed the House last year with a vote of 38 Yeas and passed the Senate by a vote of 20 to 0 on February 27.
“I want to thank the governor and the legislative body for their support in protecting Alaskans’ access to fishing streams for this and the next generation. In other states you have to pay access fees to fish a stream, or are simply blocked from this public resource. We don’t ever want that to happen in Alaska,” said Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage), an avid fisherman and fishing writer.
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NEWS: LEGISLATURE APPROVES “CHILD-ONLY” INSURANCE COVERAGE
April 16, 2012
Guttenberg bill piggybacked on another measure
JUNEAU, Alaska – In an unusual maneuver, the Alaska State Legislature early this morning enacted the essence of Representative David Guttenberg’s (D- Fairbanks) House Bill 326 to substantially increase access to “child-only” health insurance. Existing law prevents parents with pre-existing conditions from acquiring health insurance solely for their children. HB 326 would have remedied that by allowing parents to purchase insurance for their dependent children.
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Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better
April 15, 2012
Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future
JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.
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NEWS: Legislature Reinstates Texting While Driving Ban
April 15, 2012
Bi-partisan Bill Will Prevent Deadly Practice
Today, the Legislature passed bi-partisan legislation led by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines) to put Alaska’s strong anti-texting law back on the books. Last year, a number of judges questioned whether the existing law covers texting while driving.
“The Legislature intended to ban dangerous conduct like texting while driving. Rather than wait for appeals, we’re sending a clear message to the public, now, that texting, and typing on personal and computer devices can cause death and serious injury. In an average text you drive the length of a football field before paying attention to driving. We don’t want cars to be moving weapons,” said Rep. Gara.
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