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.”

Democrats Move to Restore Funding for Voter-Created Gasline Authority

Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority still valuable to developing gas resources

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered an amendment to the budget to re-instate funding for the voter-created authority that works on developing projects to market Alaska’s natural gas.

“The voters created ANGDA, and it still plays a valuable role in finding ways to get gas to Alaskans,” said Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks).

Rep. Miller’s District 7 News: ACTION ALERT: Testify on the FY13 Operating Budget

Hello from Juneau! I wanted to send along a note letting you know of a unique opportunity tomorrow—the chance to testify on the State Operating Budget. The Operating Budget is the budget that essentially runs our state. It keeps the buildings heated, our teachers paid, and roads maintained.

The House Finance Committee will be hearing public testimony from Fairbanks on the budget tomorrow from 1:30-2:45 PM. If you’d like to provide testimony I encourage you to head to the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office, where the meeting will be teleconferenced.

Rep. Miller’s District 7 Interior Update: Oil Taxes Back in the Forefront

Hello from Juneau, and Happy Leap Day! The 2012 Legislative Session is in full swing, and here is a brief rundown of some of the things I’ve been working on.

The Oil Tax Debate

Just like last year, the debate over oil taxes has gripped the Alaska Legislature. Governor Parnell continues to push for support of his House Bill 110, which would give oil companies a $2 billion dollar tax break, with the hopes it will spur more investment. I voted against this giveaway last year, and I am glad the Senate has taken a stand against it this session.

Legislation to Ban Unlimited Corporate and Union Election Spending Passes Committee

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.

Democrats’ Resolution Calls on Governor to Opt-Out of No Child Left Behind

“The federal program has never worked for Alaska. It’s time we set our own standards”

JUNEAU – Today, Rep. Bob Miller and three other Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives introduced a resolution (HJR 39) calling on the state of Alaska to opt-out of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program and to develop its own Alaska-appropriate education standards.

“No Child Left Behind was a federal mandate that never worked for Alaska,” said Rep. Miller. “It’s time we develop our own Alaska-appropriate standards and get out from under this federal program that set too many of our schools up to fail.”

Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Save the Date - Feb. 19th Constituent Meeting

This week, I am sending this newsletter reminding you to join Senator Joe Thomas, Representative David Guttenberg, and me for a constituent meeting this weekend at the West Valley High School Library. It will take place on Sunday, February 19th, from 1-3 PM.

These get-togethers are one of my favorite parts about being a legislator, as they provide a great opportunity for us to talk directly with you. I hope you’ll stop by, have a cup of coffee, and then share some of your thoughts and ideas about what’s going on in Juneau.

Alaska Legislators Endorse Injunction Against Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Management

Alaska state senators and representatives endorse and commend District Judge Timothy Burgess’ February 2nd order granting a preliminary injunction against Remington Lodging and Hospitality, the Texas based managing company of the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage, in order to provide immediate relief to Alaskan workers from irreparable harm. Further, in light of hotel management’s refusal to comply by filing a motion to stay the Judge’s order, Legislators call upon management to respect Alaskan workers and obey the rule of federal law.

Democrats Call on Governor to Make Stronger Commitment to Education

Keeping up with inflation allows schools to focus on where to improve, not where to cut

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats called on the governor to join them in an effort to prevent Alaska’s school districts from having to make more cuts in the classroom due to inflation. The legislators sent a letter to the governor earlier today requesting that he be open to meeting school district needs by increasing the per-student allocation enough to cover the costs of inflation.

Rep. Bob Miller’s Newsletter: Cook Inlet Gas; Parents and Teachers; Other Legislation;

Hello from Juneau! The 2012 Legislative Session is in full swing, and here is a brief rundown of some of the work I have been doing for you.

Last week, I introduced HB 308, a bill which will restart the process of developing a gas line from Cook Inlet to Fairbanks and the Interior. While we work to create a gas distribution system throughout Fairbanks, this would be the cheapest and quickest way to get us the gas and energy savings we need.