NEWS: Democratic Amendments: Invest in Education Now, Proven Payoff Later
March 14, 2013
Even with amendments, total budget would still be less than governor’s
JUNEAU – Today on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives, Democratic legislators offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to save Alaska money by investing wisely in its human resources today. If each amendment passed, the total budget would still be smaller than that proposed by the governor.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Education and Job Training Suffer; Hand to Those with Disabilities Becomes Colder: Budget Cuts in Wrong Places
March 13, 2013
Dear Neighbors,
Well, we’re on an uncomfortable downwards slide as the legislature builds a budget in the shadow of the Governor’s $1 - $2 billion oil giveaway.
As you heard, there are, in my mind, much more effective, less damaging ways to amend our oil tax rules. See my recent op-ed.
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NEWS: Parnell Withholding Important Oil Tax Information, Gara Calls for Public Release
March 13, 2013
JUNEAU - Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor to release information he has withheld regarding the governor’s oil tax legislation. Two weeks ago Rep. Gara filed a public records request for important oil tax information so that legislators could receive information needed to decide how to address proposals on the subject. The governor has not yet responded.
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NEWS: Gara Files Lifetime Fishing and Hunting License Bill
March 5, 2013
Promotes Outdoor Recreation At Lower Cost to Alaskans
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) filed legislation to promote Alaska hunting and fishing by allowing lifetime licenses for Alaskans.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Public Testimony on Budget Tomorrow; Are We Building an Artificial Fiscal Cliff to Tumble Off?
March 4, 2013
Houston, we have a problem! If you’d like to testify tomorrow on the operating budget before the House Finance committee, you’ll need some information, and it’s provided below.
The State seems to be building its own fiscal cliff to tumble over.
How? By creating a $1 – 1.5 billion deficit through a poorly crafted oil tax giveaway. The biggest part of the tax break gives away $1.5 billion or more in state revenue when oil prices are high.
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