NEWS: Legislature to Honor Catholic Social Services at Alaska’s World Refugee Day

Ceremony tomorrow, Friday, June 22 from 4-7pm

On Friday, June 22, Alaska will celebrate World Refugee Day at an event sponsored by Catholic Social Services from 4-7 at Mountain View Lions Park. The event will feature speakers and entertainers from Alaska’s refugee community. At the event Representative Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) will present a citation passed by both houses of the Alaska State Legislature honoring Catholic Social Services for its work with refugees.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Campbell Creek Estuary Tour Tonight

I just learned that members of the media and public are invited to a tour of the Campbell Creek Estuary, followed by a discussion of the master plan for the site. The tour and discussion will take place Tonight, Thursday, May 31st, 2012 starting at 5:30pm in the Bayshore Clubhouse located at 3131 Amber Bay Loop in Anchorage. Transportation to the estuary will be provided.

The Campbell Creek Estuary is a 60-acre area on the coast of Anchorage near Jewel Lake that will soon be turned into a park with walking trails and viewpoints for people to enjoy the wildlife and nature.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Gov’s Budget Announcements: Waldron Lake Approved, Voluntary Pre-K and Alcohol Treatment Cut

Today, the Governor announced his budget decisions, and I am very pleased to let you know that Waldron Lake has been saved and will remain an open space for children, families, fire-fighters, dog training clubs, varied wildlife and all the other users of this wonderful green space in the heart of our district. My deep gratitude goes to Senator Ellis who has championed this project, to Cherie Northon who has organized the support and to each and every person who wrote letters and emails to urge support of the project. Your effort shows that citizens can indeed make this happen.

Other approved projects in midtown Anchorage may have interest you…

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Public Meeting on Seward Highway Project This Thursday, May 3rd

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I wanted to give you a quick update on the Seward Highway Project (upgrading the stretch from from Dowling Road to Tudor Road). We just got word that a public open house is scheduled for the project on Thursday, May 3rd, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, at the Dimond Center Hotel, large conference room.

This phased multi-year highway widening project will involve construction and construction-related detours throughout the summer seasons of 2012 and 2013.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Update on the Special Session (or What’s Left of it)

You’re probably wondering what the heck is happening down here. Things have been shifting around so fast, and after a slow start due to the 3 day absence of Chair Feige, the House Resources Committee meetings on oil taxes have been so intense, that I’ve struggled to describe everything that was going on. Yesterday, when the Governor folded his tent rather than see it erupt in flames, it all changed again and now I can write.

The session call was for 3 items.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: The Aftermath of the End of Regular Session

When 27th Alaska Legislature concluded shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 15, the Governor called us to Special Session to address three issues:

• He introduced a new oil tax bill, combining elements of several other proposals, but the bottom line remains a dramatic reduction in state tax take with the hope of, but no firm commitment to, new oil production. House Resource committee hearings do not start until this afternoon because of the absence of Chair Feige so, I’m attending Senate Resources committee meetings.

Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better

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.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: PFD Application Due Saturday

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This is just a reminder that PFD applications are due this Saturday, March 31, by 11:59 PM. You can either file online or by mail.

FILE ONLINE. The online application is available HERE at the PFD homepage. Once you are on the PFD homepage there are two ways to file…

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: $9.5 Billion and Still Missed Opportunities

Last night the Alaska State House passed a $9.5 billion operating budget, the largest operating budget in Alaska’s history. This budget pays for general day-to-day activities state agencies, the University of Alaska, education etc. Given its size, as you can imagine, it includes lots of good and important things as well some pork.

I am disappointed about missed opportunities to put our vast wealth into meaningful opportunities for Alaskans.

Democrats Offer Savings, Education, and Energy Budget Amendments

Amendments target proven ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunity

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget targeted to saving money, reducing waste, improving schools, and lowering energy costs.

“Our goal all year has been to find ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunities,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). “The Permanent Fund, our children’s education and Alaska’s home energy efficiency rebates are all proven ways to do that.”