Rep. Petersen’s Report from the Capitol: 2012 Accomplishments Video, Back To School Information, Begich Wins National Award

I hope you are all enjoying the great weather this weekend. Apparently it is summer after all!

2012 Session Accomplishments

This year I was successful in helping pass several important pieces of legislation to create jobs for Alaskans, make sure children with autism can get the treatment they need, protect crime victims’ rights, and improve early childhood education opportunities. I have a short video that highlights what we accomplished for East Anchorage this year, and I hope you’ll take a couple of minutes to watch it.

NEWS: House Democrats Call for Firm Timelines on Pt. Thomson Development

Without work schedules, continued delay likely

JUNEAU – Today, nine members of the House Democratic Caucus called on the Department of Natural Resources to require firm timelines and work schedules before approving Exxon’s most recent Plan of Development for Pt. Thomson. In their official comments submitted today, the lawmakers said that without a timeline for Exxon to complete the work, this Plan of Development is likely to result in the same delay and inaction that has kept the resource undeveloped for over thirty years.

NEWS: House Democrats Laud Successful Cook Inlet Lease Sale

Today, four members of the House Democratic Caucus said that today’s successful Cook Inlet lease sale was another reason for Alaskans to be optimistic about Alaska’s ability to meet long-term local energy needs with Alaskan gas.

“The industry’s renewed interest in Cook Inlet is not surprising given the incentives we’ve put in place and the real potential to find large amounts of untapped oil and gas,” said Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage). “It shows they think there’s a lot of gas there, and that they’re willing to produce it. That’s good news for Alaska’s energy future.”

Rep. Petersen’s Report from the Capitol: BREAKING NEWS Special Session May Be Ending After Governor Withdraws Oil Tax Bill

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It has been a wild 24 hours in the capitol. Last night Governor Sean Parnell announced he was withdrawing his oil tax giveaway bill, and this afternoon the Senate voted to adjourn the special session. It is unclear what will happen next. The House does not have a floor session scheduled until Monday, and if we do not vote to adjourn the Senate will be forced back into session. If that happens, then Alaska’s constitution allows either the House or Senate to pass a resolution which would allow the governor to end the special session.

Rep. Petersen’s Report from the Capitol: Special Session Edition

Governor’s Oil Tax Bill Faces Skepticism; Sex Trafficking Bill Passes

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The special session began on Wednesday, and on Friday the House Energy and Resources Committees began joint hearings on Governor Parnell’s proposed oil tax bill. We will be holding hearings twice a day every day except Sundays through at least next week and the Senate Resources Committee is also holding hearings. So far the committee hearings have not gone well for the governor’s bill and legislators on both sides of the aisle have expressed skepticism about this proposal.

News from Rep. Pete Petersen: Session Adjourns with Successes

Legislature Adjourns; Glenn/ Muldoon Interchange Repair Approved; Autism and Parents as Teachers Bills Pass

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The legislative session adjourned minutes ago, and the word around the Capitol is that the governor has called a special session starting on Wednesday. Unfortunately it looks like I will not be coming home as soon as I’d like, but I will stay until the job is done. This last week has been very busy, but also productive. Today the Legislature passed two important bills which I have been working on for the last three years, and also voted to start the process to rebuild the Muldoon/ Glenn Highway interchange.

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: Democrats Move to Improve Small Gasline Proposal

Without fixes, bill could undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans

JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect consumers, resource development incentives, and the state’s interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.

“I am all for getting a gasline to get Alaska’s gas to market and to Alaskans. A small line should be our last option. With alternatives that bring cheaper energy to Alaskans moving forward, it’s premature to rush ahead with a bill that undercuts development and puts the state and consumers at risk.”

Rep. Petersen’s Report from the Capitol: Improving Service to Veterans; Honoring Hmong Veterans

The Legislative session is getting pretty busy. We have less than a month left in the session and there are a lot of important pieces of legislation being considered. As always, I appreciate hearing from you on what your priorities for this session are.

Working to Improve Veterans Services

One important issue I have been working hard on is how we can improve our services to veterans. I often hear from veterans who do not know how to apply for the benefits they have earned through their service to our country.

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.”