Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better

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.

NEWS: Legislature Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Enforce Consumer Protections

“Alaska should not have its hands tied waiting for the federal government to protect our citizens”

This morning, the Alaska State Senate passed HB 274, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes to bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

Currently, a loophole in state law prevents the state from enforcing Alaska’s Consumer Protection laws in cases where federal and state responsibility overlap.

NEWS: House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska’s Housing Economy

REPRESENTATIVE LINDSEY HOLMES (907) 465-4919 www.replindseyholmes.com rep.lindsey.holmes@legis.state.ak.us CONTACT: James Waldo Legislative Aide   April 11, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska's Housing Economy "We need to take charge to guarantee Alaska's housing market stays strong"   This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 269, a bill by [...]

Rep. Lindsey Holmes’ Newsletter: Come to our Constituent Pizza Party this Saturday!

For most people this time of year means the beginning glimmers of spring (although the Anchorage weather gods don’t seem to have gotten the memo). For the Legislature it means crunch time. With less than four weeks to go in the legislative session, things are really heating up in the Capitol. The House recently passed the State’s operating budget, the Senate Finance Committee is debating oil taxes, and the House Finance committee is discussing an increase to K-12 education funding as well as a bill to promote a small diameter in-state gas line. These are just a few of the hot issues heading into the end of session.

Democrats Offer Savings, Education, and Energy Budget Amendments

Amendments target proven ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunity

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget targeted to saving money, reducing waste, improving schools, and lowering energy costs.

“Our goal all year has been to find ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunities,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). “The Permanent Fund, our children’s education and Alaska’s home energy efficiency rebates are all proven ways to do that.”

Legislation to Ban Unlimited Corporate and Union Election Spending Passes Committee

Today legislation calling for an end to unlimited corporate and union election spending passed the House State Affairs Committee.

“Unlimited spending by corporations and organizations to influence elections drowns out the public’s voice, and damages the basic democratic priniciple of one person one vote,” said Prime Sponsor of HJR 33, Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage). The legislation calls on the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment reversing the controversial 2010 Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court, which reversed decades of precedent allowing states and Congress to ban corporate and Union “independent expenditures” by third party groups seeking to influence election outcomes.

Rep. Lindsey Holmes Newsletter: Protecting Alaskan Consumers

This morning, the Alaska State House passed my House Bill 274 which will bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

According to a recent decision by a federal judge, a provision in Alaska law could prevent the state from enforcing Alaska’s Consumer Protection laws in cases where federal and state enforcement responsibilities overlap. This could block the state from pursuing claims against corporations engaged in illegal business practices.

House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Help Alaska Enforce Consumer Protections

“Our State should not have its hands tied waiting for federal enforcement to protect our citizens”

This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 274, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes that will bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

Alaska Legislators Endorse Injunction Against Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Management

Alaska state senators and representatives endorse and commend District Judge Timothy Burgess’ February 2nd order granting a preliminary injunction against Remington Lodging and Hospitality, the Texas based managing company of the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage, in order to provide immediate relief to Alaskan workers from irreparable harm. Further, in light of hotel management’s refusal to comply by filing a motion to stay the Judge’s order, Legislators call upon management to respect Alaskan workers and obey the rule of federal law.

Democrats Call on Governor to Make Stronger Commitment to Education

Keeping up with inflation allows schools to focus on where to improve, not where to cut

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats called on the governor to join them in an effort to prevent Alaska’s school districts from having to make more cuts in the classroom due to inflation. The legislators sent a letter to the governor earlier today requesting that he be open to meeting school district needs by increasing the per-student allocation enough to cover the costs of inflation.