Democrats Offer Savings, Education, and Energy Budget Amendments
March 15, 2012
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.”
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Operating Budget Heats Up
March 8, 2012
Plus: Coastal Management Hearing on Monday
I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who came and testified in the House Finance Committee this week. It is not easy to speak before the Legislature and everyone did a wonderful job. Hear what they had to say below.
I’m pleased to announce that legislation to reinstate the Alaska Coastal Management Program will be heard in House Resources on Monday (more below).
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Native Language Council Plus: Budget Testimony Opportunity
March 2, 2012
Yesterday marked the half-way point for session. Things are starting to heat up and more attention is being focused on the big issues – education, budget and oil and gas taxes. This week you’ll have the opportunity to testify on the operating budget (more information below).
I also want to share with you an important piece of legislation designed to revitalize and support Native languages in Alaska. This week’s hearing on the bill provided some of the most inspiring and touching testimony I’ve heard in the Legislature.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by my office, call, write or email.
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Legislation to Ban Unlimited Corporate and Union Election Spending Passes Committee
February 23, 2012
Today legislation calling for an end to unlimited corporate and union election spending passed the House State Affairs Committee.
“Unlimited spending by corporations and organizations to influence elections drowns out the public’s voice, and damages the basic democratic priniciple of one person one vote,” said Prime Sponsor of HJR 33, Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage). The legislation calls on the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment reversing the controversial 2010 Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court, which reversed decades of precedent allowing states and Congress to ban corporate and Union “independent expenditures” by third party groups seeking to influence election outcomes.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Catch the Wave - Responsible Stewardship of the Oceans
February 17, 2012
Living in Juneau, I am reminded every day how important the health of the ocean is to our community and our state. The ocean contributes to Juneau’s spectacular beauty and amazing recreational opportunities and supports commercial fishing and tourism, which are both important parts of our economy.
I’m proud to be able to dedicate this newsletter to recent advancements in our responsible stewardship of the oceans.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.
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