Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Happy New Year Edition
I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and have a fun and safe New Year. Here’s some of the results of the budget survey I sent out in November.
Read More →
NEWS: Massive Scope of Proposed Fiscal Changes Demands Thorough Review of Impacts on Alaskans of All Income Levels
ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
Read More →Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Save the Date for Politics and Pizza with Rep. Wool & Sen. Bishop
I am getting ready for the upcoming legislative session in January, and I want to hear your thoughts and ideas about the issues we’ll be facing during that 90 days. There’s a few upcoming opportunities for you to make your voice heard:
Read More →NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Supports Legislation to Remove Unneeded Partner from AKLNG Natural Gas Pipeline Project
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives joined the Alaska Senate in approving legislation funding the buyout of TransCanada from the long-awaited AKLNG natural gas pipeline project. Removing TransCanada from the AKLNG partnership increases the state of Alaska’s total ownership share in the pipeline and associated infrastructure up to twenty-five percent.
Read More →Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Public Comment Needed TODAY and Third Special Session Update
On October 24 the Legislature started the third special session of the year. This session is dedicated to the AK LNG natural gas pipeline project. Governor Walker has proposed buying out TransCanada’s interest in this project. Under the law passed under former Governor Parnell, TransCanada is contracted to manage Alaska’s ownership in this project, but Governor Walker believes it would be better for Alaska to buyout this contract and represent itself. I am inclined to agree, but I am committed to making sure this is the best decision to make sure a pipeline gets built and brings gas to Alaskans. Building the pipeline is probably more important to Fairbanks than anywhere else in the state. Although heating oil may be at a low price now it will surely be higher sometime in the future so a good reliable source of cheap natural gas is essential. Fairbanks would also welcome a huge boost to the economy resulting from the construction of a megaproject like a gas pipeline. I will work hard to make sure this happens.
Read More →