FAIRBANKS – The incarcerated members of the Fairbanks Four were released today following acceptance of a plea agreement by a Fairbanks judge. Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) has been following developments in the Fairbanks Four case and is pleased they will be able to join their families for the holidays.
Read More →
ANCHORAGE – On Sunday, a coalition of nearly 200 countries agreed to a historic agreement to address the causes and impacts of global climate change during the United Nations’ Paris Climate Change Conference. The agreement allows countries to create their own plans to reduce CO2 emissions with a stipulation that the emission standards will be jointly updated in 2020.
Read More →
ANCHORAGE – Billion dollar deficits and drastic proposals to shift the burden of paying for state government onto the backs of working Alaskans and their families demand innovative ideas to save the state money. The multi-million dollar renovation and expense of remaining in the Legislative Information Offices (LIO) on 4th Avenue in Anchorage flies in the face of the legislature’s demand for fiscal conservancy.
Read More →
ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
Read More →
ANCHORAGE – The U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider legislation Wednesday morning that would provide federal funding for Erin’s Law programs in public schools across the country. Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) helped lead the charge for passage of Erin’s Law in Alaska and wholeheartedly supports the provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015that provides funding for Erin’s Law programs nationwide.
Read More →