Rep. Miller’s District 7 Newsletter: Olnes Pond, Veterans Cemetery, Waiver Update, Peonies

Dear Friends,

Hello! I hope you are all enjoying a safe summer. This is turning out to be a productive interim and I’m privileged to be part of what’s helping Fairbanks and Alaska move forward. I am still impressed that so many folks in our neighborhood let me know what is important! I encourage everyone to do so as often as possible. You are the boss; I am here to listen and serve you.

NEWS: Rep. Bob Miller Comments on Granting of Partial NCLB Waiver

Decision is “An encouraging step in Alaskans maintaining local control of our schools”

Today, Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks) released the following statement in reaction to the federal government granting Alaska a partial waiver from the increasingly unrealistic requirements of No Child Left Behind.

NEWS: House Democrats Call for Firm Timelines on Pt. Thomson Development

Without work schedules, continued delay likely

JUNEAU – Today, nine members of the House Democratic Caucus called on the Department of Natural Resources to require firm timelines and work schedules before approving Exxon’s most recent Plan of Development for Pt. Thomson. In their official comments submitted today, the lawmakers said that without a timeline for Exxon to complete the work, this Plan of Development is likely to result in the same delay and inaction that has kept the resource undeveloped for over thirty years.

Rep. Miller’s District 7 News: Newsletter Mailed; Alaska Icebreakers; Dianna Lanni; Constituent Meeting; Family Addition

Hello! It’s been great to be back in Fairbanks since returning from session in Juneau. I really appreciate the “hands-on” and personal touch, shaking hands and chatting in the stores and at Fox Springs! There will be lots of events and opportunities to enjoy the fantastic summer here in the Interior again, so I hope to see and talk with you all. Even though Joni and I are currently out of town, we’ll be back in a few days. Please - feel free to talk with me anytime.

Just about every household in the district should be receiving a newsletter from Senator Joe Thomas and myself this week. In this Summer 2012 edition, you’ll find it covers a range of issues, including updates on energy, education, and items important to our community as well as the budget summary for our district.

NEWS: House Democrats Laud Successful Cook Inlet Lease Sale

Today, four members of the House Democratic Caucus said that today’s successful Cook Inlet lease sale was another reason for Alaskans to be optimistic about Alaska’s ability to meet long-term local energy needs with Alaskan gas.

“The industry’s renewed interest in Cook Inlet is not surprising given the incentives we’ve put in place and the real potential to find large amounts of untapped oil and gas,” said Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage). “It shows they think there’s a lot of gas there, and that they’re willing to produce it. That’s good news for Alaska’s energy future.”

Rep. Miller’s District 7 News: Public Testimony on HB 3001, the New Oil Tax Bill

I wanted to let you know of an opportunity to provide public testimony on House Bill 3001, the Governor’s new oil tax bill he introduced for special session.

The House Resources committee will be taking testimony on the bill tomorrow, April 26th, at 9:00 AM.

The bill is a new spin on the Governor’s House Bill 110. However, I fear it still it provides too large a tax break for oil companies without any guarantee more oil will be pumped through the pipeline. You can read more about the hearings HB 3001 has received here.

Rep. Miller’s District 7 Update: Special Session Edition

Hello from Juneau! Yes, after a long 90-day session, we’re still here to finish some outstanding issues. One of those has already been completed-the Legislature yesterday passed a bill that strengthens laws against sexual trafficking. Still on the docket are bills regarding an in-state gasline and oil taxes.

House Bill 9 is a bill that would provide more powers to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to build an in-state gasline. While I fully support the concept of the bill-to get a gasline constructed-I have deep concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight AGDC would gain from it. I, along with several of my colleagues, attempted to amend the bill to provide for more Legislative oversight before it passed the House several weeks ago.

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.

Rep. Miller’s District 7 News: PFD Application Deadline Reminder

Dear Friends,

Hello from Juneau! I wanted to send along a quick reminder to remember to apply for your Permanent Fund Dividend - the application period closes tomorrow, March 31st, at 11:59 PM!

NEWS: Interior Democrats Fight for Fairbanks in Small Gasline Proposal

Without fixes, bill would undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans

JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, Interior House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect Fairbanks’ and Alaskans’ interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.

“As it is, this bill would repeat many of the mistakes Alaskans have made in the past,” said Rep. David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). “We have an oil line right through the Interior and we still pay some of the highest energy prices in the nation, and without significant changes, this bill would let us watch a gasline go by without any real benefit to Fairbanks.”