JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska State House of Representatives passed legislation that reforms the Alaska National Guard by creating a Code of Military Justice. House Bill 126 provides a framework of processes and consequences for members of the Alaska National Guard who violate military rules and orders.
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Every day I talk to legislators in both parties to see if we can build a bi-partisan fiscal plan. I’m trying to keep things calm. I’m trying not to say “no,” even to proposals that cause me concern. A fair compromise will have to include elements most members don’t love. Compromise involves principled give and take. I’m listening to everyone’s ideas, and hoping enough members of the Republican majority will also be willing to put together a balanced, fair, bi-partisan fiscal plan.
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Juneau – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) is calling on the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) to help end millions in state subsidies for the oil and gas companies that are the primary users of Alaska’s North Slope Haul Road, which is also referred to as the Dalton Highway. The state spends roughly $25 million per year to maintain and operate the road, which was built solely for, and is still primarily used by oil and gas producers and explorers. DOT estimates that 70% of the use on the road is commercial.
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The conversation around the budget continues to be the most important issue facing the Legislature. Look for constituent surveys in your mailbox in the next week: I appreciate your feedback, especially when dealing with such a critical issue. Meanwhile, the Judiciary Committee has been working hard on critical reform legislation dealing with the Alaska National Guard and criminal justice and corrections. I hope everyone in South Central went unharmed by the recent earthquake, and that you can join me this Saturday at Tastee Freez (4pm to 5pm) to chat and get updates about the legislative session or other issues in our community.
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Alaska is facing a massive budget deficit. The best way to address it is by working calmly and collaboratively, across party lines, to come to a bi-partisan solution. As the start of the legislative session approached, some of us learned that some Outside national political operatives have been hired– it appears quite clear – to monitor and eventually campaign against legislators who don’t do what they want on a fiscal plan. Having folks like that involved in your legislative process is too shadowy for my likes.
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