Governor Pulls Oil Taxes, Senate Adjourns, What Will the House do?
The Third Special Session of the Alaska State Legislature has imploded. In this newsletter, I’ll tell you what happened and what is likely to happen next.
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Read More →JUNEAU – Tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to Governor Parnell’s announcement that he is withdrawing his oil tax legislation.
“This is a good day for Alaska. I’m glad the governor just pulled the plug on his bad bill. The writing was on the wall when the governor introduced a bill that was nearly identical to his last giveaway. The facts have never supported giving away more of Alaska’s share, especially for nothing in return. I’m very proud of the House Democrats, and everyone else who worked against his oil tax giveaway.”
Read More →Its official -the second session of the 27th Alaska State Legislature is over. And the third special session has begun (the first two took place last year). After the Legislature gaveled out, the governor issued a special session proclamation in the early hours of Sunday night/Monday morning.
In this newsletter, I’ll provide a wrap up of the big session issues along with an overview of what we can expect from the special session. I’ll also share a list of Juneau capital projects (and a couple of important statewide items). In future newsletters, I’ll keep you up to date on the special session and highlight some of the legislation we saw during the regular session.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.
Read More →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.
Read More →On Tuesday, Representative Carl Gatto of Palmer passed away following a long and brave battle with cancer. On Wednesday, we held a small ceremony on the House Floor, singing Amazing Grace and placing thirty-nine roses on the desk he leaves vacant.
The Legislature must still continue the people’s work. And we have a lot of work left to do before the end of regular session on Sunday night (we’re not sure whether there will be a special session or not). In this newsletter, I’ll talk about the issues that are still on the table for the end of session. I’ll also spotlight a great bill to provide insurance coverage for Autism spectrum disorders.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.
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