Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Protecting Our Oil and Gas Future and Goodbye to a Great Alaskan
There are only four days left in the final session of the 24th Alaska legislature and there has been talk of an extended or special session to deal with unfinished business. Numerous bills are now in danger of failing due to lack of movement during the regular session. However, if we do go into extended or special session the main focus is sure to be primarily on oil taxes.
To make sure you have the facts about the oil tax issue, I have dedicated my recent newsletter to compiling the best information available.
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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.”
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Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Highlights from the Operating Budget
Last night the house passed the operating budget for 2013. Although there were several changes I would have liked, I ultimately supported this budget because of the many positive benefits it will bring to all Alaskan families.
Budget highlights
We have expanded pre-kindergarten by adding courses at the university of Alaska to train pre-kindergarten teachers and adding funds for Best Beginnings and Alaska’s Parents as Teachers program (PAT).
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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.”
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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.
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