NEWS: Alaska Legislature Must Embrace Savings and Scrap Expensive and Unnecessary Anchorage Legislative Information Office
ANCHORAGE – On Saturday, the members of the Alaska Legislative Council are scheduled to discuss the available options to save money on office space for lawmakers and staff in Anchorage. The current Anchorage Legislative Information Office (LIO) building on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage has been criticized as too expensive, and many lawmakers including Rep. Sam Kito (D-Juneau), believe it’s time to embrace budget savings and end the lease on the current building. Rep. Kito is the only member of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) on the Legislative Council. He notes that available space in the state-owned Atwood Building in Anchorage is the most viable option under consideration as an alternative to the continued leasing or purchase of the 4th Avenue building.
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NEWS: Massive Scope of Proposed Fiscal Changes Demands Thorough Review of Impacts on Alaskans of All Income Levels
ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
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OP-ED: Pivotal Moment in Alaska’s History
This moment in Alaska’s history is pivotal in determining what our future as a state will look like. The sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production in return for excessive tax cuts and credits have resulted in a nearly $3.5 billion budget gap that must be closed. Alaska is required by law to produce a balanced budget. However, a budget is more than just numbers on a page. It should reflect the basic values of the people.
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Rep. Kito’s Newsletter: Southeast Spotlight - Special Session Update
Here’s a quick update from the capitol as the legislature wraps up our third special session of the year.
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VIDEO: Representative Sam Kito shares thoughts on SB 3001 during Special Session
Representative Sam Kito shares thoughts on SB 3001 during Special Session
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