Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Gov’s Giveaway and a Full Plate of Bills

Dear Neighbors,

In the Finance committee, we are in the thick of studying the Governor’s oil tax break. Last week, shortly after 2 am the House Resources committee rushed out SB 21 with even lower taxes proposed for the oil industry than the Senate version. It now gives even more billions of your dollars to oil corporations, still without any guarantee for production.

The last week of session is always an interesting and busy time of year.

Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Save Our Schools

In several of my previous newsletters, I focused on what I believe are detrimental cuts to education. This week a welcomed wave of public support for education funding crashed down on the legislature.

Also, a big congratulations to the to the East High School boys’ basketball team for winning the State Championship! Way to go T-birds!

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Save Our Schools

Alaska’s children are facing attacks on their education this year – from eroding foundation funding to vouchers to early education cuts. On Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to make your voice heard on these issues in a hearing hosted by Alaska’s Democratic Legislators from 1-3 p.m. in Room 203 at the Capitol Building. See the flyer below for more information.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Been There, Done That

Since the 28th Legislature convened on January 15, 2013, the Alaska State House has spent more

time chastising the federal government than working on any other issue (I agree that the federal government needs to be “checked” once in a while!). I am bothered that the legislature is spending huge amounts of time on issues that were already dealt with in previous bills and resolutions. If someone told me that this would happen, I would not have believed them.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: Education Cuts Will Hurt Our Economy

Dear Neighbors,

This past week, I joined other colleagues in an effort to improve our education system. We worked hard to prevent the State House from moving Alaska education backward. Unfortunately, we were not successful.

ADVISORY: Save Our Schools: Democratic Legislators to Host Public Hearing on Alaska Education

WHAT: S.O.S. Save Our Schools Public Hearing on Education in Alaska – The public is encouraged to come share its voice on Alaska’s public schools and early education.
WHEN: March 25, 2013, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: State Capitol, Fahrenkamp Room 203 or at your local Legislative Information Office

Rep. Drummond’s Newsletter: Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world

Thursday was a tough day on the House floor. The House majority, through sheer force of numbers, rapidly pushed through an operating budget with deep cuts to education and mental health services.

We need to arm people with knowledge. I introduced an amendment to restore $2.4 million in Pre-K grants. This wasn’t additional money to go into an already bloated budget, this was simply restoring what the Governor had already set aside for our children’s education.

NEWS: Democratic Amendments: Invest in Education Now, Proven Payoff Later

Even with amendments, total budget would still be less than governor’s

JUNEAU – Today on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives, Democratic legislators offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to save Alaska money by investing wisely in its human resources today. If each amendment passed, the total budget would still be smaller than that proposed by the governor.

Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: On the Move

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The operating budget is on the move, and so is my wife, Donna. Survey results continue coming to the office and I am reading each and every one. I appreciate all of your feedback immensely.

Rep Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: March 8th, 2013

Friends and Neighbors,

The Legislature is well over the half way mark and we are in a sprint to the finish. There is still a lot to do before we adjourn April 14th. Oil taxes, a gas line, LNG trucking and the capital budget will probably steal the show at the end.

The Operating Budget will be on the House Floor this next week and I am preparing amendments that focus on education and health and social services.