Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: BUDGET UPDATE, Governor Walker’s New Sustainable Alaska Plan
December 15, 2015
Happy Holidays!
Last week Governor Walker introduced his proposal for the 2017 fiscal year budget. The “New Sustainable Alaska Plan”, or NSAP, illustrates how he believes the legislature should approach closing the state’s multibillion dollar deficit by 2018.
Read More →
NEWS: Massive Scope of Proposed Fiscal Changes Demands Thorough Review of Impacts on Alaskans of All Income Levels
December 9, 2015
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 →
NEWS: Rep. Tarr Encourages Alaska’s U.S. Senators to Vote Yes on the Federal Version of Erin’s Law
December 8, 2015
ANCHORAGE – The U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider legislation Wednesday morning that would provide federal funding for Erin’s Law programs in public schools across the country. Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) helped lead the charge for passage of Erin’s Law in Alaska and wholeheartedly supports the provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015that provides funding for Erin’s Law programs nationwide.
Read More →
OP-ED: Pivotal Moment in Alaska’s History
December 7, 2015
This moment in Alaska’s history is pivotal in determining what our future as a state will look like. The sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production in return for excessive tax cuts and credits have resulted in a nearly $3.5 billion budget gap that must be closed. Alaska is required by law to produce a balanced budget. However, a budget is more than just numbers on a page. It should reflect the basic values of the people.
Read More →
Note from Rep. Gara: A Helping Hand: Our Holiday Laptops For Foster Youth Drive
November 25, 2015
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
I’d like you to know about our Holiday “Laptops for Foster Youth Drive”, which has become even more important with the alarming increase in the number of foster youth in Alaska, from less than 1,800 five years ago to over 2,800 today. The following press release lets you know about many ways you can help, from donating a laptop, to becoming: a foster youth mentor through a program we started at Big Brothers Big Sisters; a foster parent; or an adoptive parent for a foster youth.
Read More →
