Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Fairness for Local Property Tax Payers; Internship Opportunity!

You have probably heard about the recent controversy surrounding property tax exemptions for teachers and employees of religious organizations. Representative Berta Gardner and I feel this situation is unfair to other taxpayers, and have introduced House Bill 305, the Property Tax Fairness Act, to fix it.

In 2006, the Legislature significantly broadened the definition of religious property by including exemptions for the residence of “an educator in a private religious or parochial school.” This legislation also expanded the definition of “minister” and broadened the ordination standard for ministers. It also made these tax exemptions mandatory for all Alaska municipalities.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: And The Award Goes To… Alaska’s Economy!

I returned to Anchorage this past weekend, and boy was it cold! But not as cold as it was in Barrow, the site of the recent Alaskan-filmed movie, Big Miracle – the movie we used to know as Everybody Loves Whales. I was excited to attend the Anchorage premiere of the movie while I was home. Almost every scene featured a local landmark or an Alaskan friend who had been cast in the film. When the credits rolled, the audience erupted in cheers, and we all stayed glued to our seats watching the impressive number of Alaskans and Alaska businesses that took part in the movie. I’m proud of our people and our state, and I’m thrilled that worldwide audiences will get the chance to see both in this film.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Protecting Consumers, Reversing the Brain Drain and Growing Our Economy

The Legislature is up and running and I wanted to take this opportunity to fill you in on some of the legislation I’m pursuing this session.

One important role I take very seriously is my responsibility to help protect consumers. My House Bill 274 would close a loophole in the state’s consumer protection laws. My bill would allow the state to go after abusive companies who are not being pursued by the federal government.

Democrats: Today’s Resources Build Tomorrow’s Opportunity; Democratic Response to the State of the State shows vision for Alaska

JUNEAU – In her response to the governor’s state of the state speech tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau) told Alaskans that Alaska must use today’s resources to build tomorrow’s future.

“You’ve elected us to lead, and it’s our job to lead in a way that honors Alaska’s courageous spirit by using today’s resources to build tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Rep. Kerttula.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: We’re Back in Session!

The Alaska Legislature reconvened in Juneau today for the second half of the 27th Legislature. We look forward to a productive session.

I am lucky to have both James R. Waldo and Mike Coumbe returning to my office this year. We will be here for the next 90 days, and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issues facing the state.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Holiday Greeting and Photo

Holiday Photo

Holmes to Meet with U.S. President, White House Officials

Meetings to include policy briefs, Presidential Reception

Anchorage—Representative Lindsey Holmes travels to Washington D.C. this week to meet with senior White House and Administration officials, followed by a reception with President Obama in the White House. The discussions will cover such critical topics as the economy and energy policy. Rep. Holmes is part of a small group invited to this unique event as a member of the Young Elected Officials Network.

Rep. Kawasaki to Address Young Elected Officials in Washington D.C.

200 young elected officials from across the U.S. to discuss policies, leadership

Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Representative Lindsey Holmes (D-Anchorage) will join more than 200 young elected officials from across the country in Washington, DC at the sixth annual convening of the Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network. The YEO Network Convening is the largest gathering of young progressive elected leaders in the country. From June 2-5, young leaders will share their experiences, policy initiatives, and best practices and build a lasting network with other young elected officials from across the country.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Back in Anchorage! Special Session Recap;

In the waning days of the special session, common sense prevailed. After weeks of stalemate we were able to pass both an operating and a capital budget and adjourn.

During the special session we also passed HB 24 reauthorizing the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, HB 126 reauthorizing a number of other boards, and SB 42 which allows the Alaska Energy Authority to pursue new renewable energy projects.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Special Session Update

Today is day 16 of the special legislative session. Much to my disappointment, the Legislature remains in a stalemate over the capital budget, with Senate and House leadership and the Governor all digging in their heels. The main point of contention is language in the Senate’s version of the budget that ties together a large number of energy projects across the state by saying that if the Governor vetoes one or more of the projects, he effectively vetoes the entire package of energy projects.