Rep. Drummond’s Newsletter: The Heat is On
February 3, 2016
The heat is on. The budget finance subcommittees are in full swing and bills are moving. Not to beat a dead horse, but the main issue this year is the budget, and we are currently reviewing the Governor’s proposal to change the Permanent Fund Dividend. Touching the PFD has traditionally been a political no-no. But historically we haven’t seen these kinds of deficits. Most Alaskans seem to agree that to solve the problem we are going to have to use a mix of new revenue, government cuts, and draws on Alaska’s savings accounts including the Permanent Fund earnings reserve. Exactly how much of each of those solutions we will draw on is the crux of the debate.
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NEWS: Rep. Gara Seeks Budget Reimbursement for Oil Company-Created North Slope Haul Road Costs
February 2, 2016
Juneau – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) is calling on the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) to help end millions in state subsidies for the oil and gas companies that are the primary users of Alaska’s North Slope Haul Road, which is also referred to as the Dalton Highway. The state spends roughly $25 million per year to maintain and operate the road, which was built solely for, and is still primarily used by oil and gas producers and explorers. DOT estimates that 70% of the use on the road is commercial.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: State of the State & Important Legislation
February 1, 2016
We are now three weeks into the second session of the 29th Legislature and things are really starting to pick up. Committees are meeting regularly and they are beginning to dig into the Governor’s fiscal plans. The budget is the dominating issue this session and everything that we do will be looked at through that lens. Governor Walker’s plan has much to recommend —it is a good first effort. However, there is much in it that gives me pause. But, it is ultimately just an outline that is likely to change as it makes its way through the legislative process. I would encourage everyone to stay involved and to let your voices be heard!
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Rep. Kito’s Newsletter: 2016 Session Gets Underway
January 26, 2016
The second session of the 29th Alaska Legislature is underway and the building is full of activity. This year, the focus is on the state’s widening budget deficit – with the deficit estimated at more than $3.5 billion, we have our work cut out for us.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Shadowy Political Operatives Targeting Legislators?
January 25, 2016
Alaska is facing a massive budget deficit. The best way to address it is by working calmly and collaboratively, across party lines, to come to a bi-partisan solution. As the start of the legislative session approached, some of us learned that some Outside national political operatives have been hired– it appears quite clear – to monitor and eventually campaign against legislators who don’t do what they want on a fiscal plan. Having folks like that involved in your legislative process is too shadowy for my likes.
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