Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Cheers, Beers and Budget
The House of Representatives passed the operating budget late last night after the House Independent Democratic Coalition offered 21 amendments and the Republican leadership rejected all of them. These amendments would have restored early education, prevented teacher layoffs across the state, improved our University of Alaska system, expanded Medicaid, improved public safety and restored promises to our seniors benefit recipients.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Unites in Opposition to Operating Budget that Harms Kids, Seniors and the Neediest of Alaskans
Juneau – The Alaska House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Thursday night without the support of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition. All 13 members voted no because the budget harms seniors and children while protecting corporate interests and unaffordable projects. The Republican budget includes the total elimination of pre-k programs and a significant $32 million cut in funding for K-12 public education. Overall, the budget deficit still remains $3.5 billion. The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition proposed millions of dollars in spending cuts while supporting efforts to protect education, seniors and kids.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: PUBLIC ALERT: Budget Testimony
We Need to Hear from You! The budget will be heard in the Finance meetings all week before it is voted on by the House in the near future. As you may have heard, we have an enormous $3.5 billion deficit due to lower oil production and prices under the “Oil Wealth Giveaway”. Here is a snapshot of some of the budget highlights that we will consider this week.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Budget, Boats and Birds!
Finance Subcommittees are finishing this week and I, along with the other Finance Committee members, will take up the operating budget next week. It is well documented that we are facing a $3.5 billion deficit, but what does that really mean to you?
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NEWS: New Report: 2014 Education Law, 2015 Budget Proposals Lag Education Far behind Inflation Cost Increases
Juneau - A new legislative research report requested by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) shows that public education funding will fall behind inflation next school year, under either the GOP’s three year plan passed last year, or the Governor’s proposed revisions. A number of school districts will likely cut teachers and other educational staff under both proposals. These cuts come on top of the loss of over 600 staff in Alaska’s largest school districts in fiscal years 2011-2014.
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