NEWS: Last Minute Assault on Public Education Hits School Children
Juneau – As the Second Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature reaches the constitutionally mandated end of session, lawmakers and advocates for a healthy K-12 public education system are reeling from a surprise cut to public education. On Tuesday night, the House and Senate Operating Budget Conference Committee slipped a $50 cut to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) into the proposed FY 2017 budget in violation of funding promised by state law.
Read More →
Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Update from Juneau: Justice Reform, HB 156, Oil Subsidies & Summer Events
Nothing about my first legislative session has been “normal.” I came to Juneau to fill the seat vacated by the passing of Rep. Max Gruenberg, my first day of work was a 20 hour budget floor session, and now we are on day 116 of a 90 day session as we are working to fill in a $4B deficit. I expect that the legislature will make headlines with some historic decisions in the coming weeks, but today I want to update you on a few key issues.
Read More →
OPINION: Alaska needs to make deep cut in oil tax credits, and soon
By Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Rep. Andy Josephson, and Rep. Ivy Spohnholz - Published Apr. 28, 2016 ADN
Read More →
Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Day 100 and Counting
It’s time for the total package!
Alaska has a $4.1 billion deficit due a budget that has been over reliant on one source of revenue—oil—which is at historically low prices right now. Oil is not projected to get above $50 per barrel anytime in the next 10 years, so we can’t just hope for prices to rebound. We only have enough funds on hand to cover about 25% of Alaska’s budget.
Read More →
Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Day 92
We have had some big accomplishments in the last few days including passing military justice reform and Medicaid reform. These are both comprehensive reform bills that garnered bipartisan support. However, there are still major issues outstanding before the legislature, and no clear path forward. Before I get into these topics I have a quick request:
Read More →
Page 4 of 6« First«...23456»