House Bill 305 “Property Tax Fairness Act”

In 2006, the Legislature significantly broadened the definition of religious property by including exemptions for the residence of “an educator in a private religious or parochial school.” This legislation also expanded the definition of “minister,” broadened the ordination standard for ministers, and made these tax exemptions mandatory for all Alaska municipalities – creating another unfunded mandate…

Democrats Work to End Unlimited Campaign Spending

Legislation would make Alaska a leader in national effort to rein in big-money politics

(JUNEAU) – Today, 13 House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at scaling back rules allowing corporations, wealthy donors, and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money, sometimes in the millions, to get candidates elected. Companion resolutions (HJR 33 and SJR 13) introduced today in the Alaska House and Senate call for a federal constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United case that opened the corporate and union campaign spending floodgates. A separate House bill would return Alaska’s right to limit corporate contributions by making corporations not considered “persons” for purposes of Alaska election law.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Introduction of “PROPERTY TAX FAIRNESS ACT”

You have probably heard the commotion relating to property tax exemptions for some religious properties in Anchorage.

Property tax exemptions for religious facilities and for pastor housing have been a longstanding practice in states and municipalities throughout the nation, including in Alaska. In 2006, the definition of religious property was significantly broadened to include some residences of teachers serving at religious institutions.

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: This Year’s Legislative Priorities

As the 2012 Legislature begins to unfold, I wanted to give you a sense of my goals for this session. All of these ideas have evolved from important conversations with you, my constituents, as well as from community council discussions and what I have learned in legislative committees.

Here is some key legislation I am supporting or sponsoring…

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Stay In Touch and Involved with the Legislature

There are many ways to follow the proceedings of the Legislature. They include:
1. The website, where you can research and track bills: http://w3.legis.state.ak.us
2. Gavel to Gavel, where you can watch the Legislature online: http://gavelalaska.org/ or…

Democrats: Today’s Resources Build Tomorrow’s Opportunity; Democratic Response to the State of the State shows vision for Alaska

JUNEAU – In her response to the governor’s state of the state speech tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau) told Alaskans that Alaska must use today’s resources to build tomorrow’s future.

“You’ve elected us to lead, and it’s our job to lead in a way that honors Alaska’s courageous spirit by using today’s resources to build tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Rep. Kerttula.

Democrats Introduce Accountability Measures for Oil Tax Credits

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Whip Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage) introduced two pre-filed bills designed to provide Alaskans more information on the State’s North Slope investments. The bills will help Alaskans know if our massive investment is meeting our twin goals of more oil in the pipeline and more jobs for Alaskans.

From Rep. Berta Gardner: Alaska Students Can Lift Your Heart

When the legislature is in Juneau, each Floor session is opened with a prayer. The person offering the prayer, whether one of our own members or an invited guest, customarily opens with words something like this: “With the deepest respect for the beliefs of all who are present here, I offer this prayer.”

Democrats Encouraged by Strong Interest in Alaska Oil Lease Sales; Robust bidding shows Alaska has much to offer new oil and gas producers

Today, House Minority Whip Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage), Representative Chis Tuck (D-Anchorage), and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) released the following statements after the state’s successful oil and gas lease sale this morning brought great interest from new and independent oil producers.

“The success of these sales is another positive sign that Alaska’s doing a lot right when it comes to developing our tremendous oil and gas resources,” said Rep. Gardner. “These new leases, new access to the west, and the record level of exploration expected on the Slope this season will go a long way toward generating jobs for Alaskans and oil for the pipeline.”

Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Good News for Expanded North Slope Oil Development

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The new agreement between ConocoPhillips and the federal government will encourage new North Slope development and the sharing of facilities. This will eventually put more oil in the Pipeline.

I just wanted to let you know about an important new development that should help promote new oil production on the North Slope.

Two federal resource agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), just reached an agreement in principle with ConocoPhillips regarding the company’s proposed Alpine Satellite Development Plan (CD-5) in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A).