NEWS: Gara Launches Summer Foster Youth Laptop Drive
May 22, 2012
Today, Rep. Les Gara launched the Summer Foster Youth Laptop Drive designed to pair foster youth with laptop computers donated by generous Alaskans.
“Past holiday drives were very successful, so we’re hoping to spread that success throughout the year,” said Rep. Gara, whose office started this effort with foster youth advocate Amanda Metivier two years ago.
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NEWS: Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska’s Housing Economy Now Law
May 22, 2012
“We need to take charge to guarantee Alaska’s housing market stays strong”
This afternoon, the governor signed HB 269, a bill by Representative Lindsey Holmes (D-Anchorage) that ensures housing projects in the state can keep moving forward.
Before this fix, an unintended glitch in state law could cause projects to stall out if their timeline ran a little too long. The obsolete provision was adopted in 1986 but has been updated nationally since 1994. HB 269 updates Alaska’s law to the national standard. The bill is widely supported by banks, trust companies, and homebuilders in Alaska.
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NEWS: House Democrats Laud Successful Cook Inlet Lease Sale
May 16, 2012
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.”
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Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Gov’s Budget Announcements: Waldron Lake Approved, Voluntary Pre-K and Alcohol Treatment Cut
May 14, 2012
Today, the Governor announced his budget decisions, and I am very pleased to let you know that Waldron Lake has been saved and will remain an open space for children, families, fire-fighters, dog training clubs, varied wildlife and all the other users of this wonderful green space in the heart of our district. My deep gratitude goes to Senator Ellis who has championed this project, to Cherie Northon who has organized the support and to each and every person who wrote letters and emails to urge support of the project. Your effort shows that citizens can indeed make this happen.
Other approved projects in midtown Anchorage may have interest you…
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Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Texting While Driving Banned Again and Info on Traffic Delays
May 11, 2012
As you prepare to start your weekend here are a few things to help make your travel safe and hassle free.
First, texting while driving became illegal again starting today. A previous law had not withstood court challenges, so the legislature rewrote the law this year and the governor signed it into law yesterday. From now on, reading or typing a message on a screened device while driving a moving vehicle is against the law.
Second, with the start of the summer construction season, traffic delays and road closures are going to increase. You can get information about which areas to avoid and alternate routes at the following link: Road Project Traffic Delays
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