Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Alaska’s Fiscal Cliff
December 19, 2013
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is nearly time for my staff and me to move back to Juneau for the second session of the 28th Alaska State Legislature. Other than the mere fact that it is December 19th and the session convenes one month from today, the Governor just released his budget and the Department of Revenue submitted its fall report on revenue sources for Alaska, which are both tell-tale signs that session is coming, and in this case, that we need to tighten our belts. In this newsletter I will discuss both of these subjects and how each will impact the upcoming session.
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Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: A $2 Billion Goof
December 17, 2013
• “$2 billion revenue shortfall sparks oil tax debate” — Anchorage Daily News
• “Oil Tax Revenue Expected To Decline By $2 Billion” — Alaska Public Radio
• “Alaska Revenue Forecast Shows Unanticipated Multibillion-Dollar Deficit” — Alaska Dispatch
Translation: We, the State of Alaska, have $2 billion less in oil revenue this coming year than we thought.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Guv’s Budget: No Raise For Kids & A Proposed Governor Pay Raise??
December 13, 2013
Dear Neighbors,
What’s bad for the goose is bad for the gander. Or better put, you can’t ask for yourself what you don’t give to others.
Yesterday the Governor introduced his budget. Smart cuts and efficiencies are needed in light of the $2 billion drop in Alaska revenue projected for next year. And with the Governor’s new oil tax law – which will guarantee multi-billion dollar deficits long into the future, a budget, even a reduced one, should have a vision.
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NEWS: No Raises for Governor, Cabinet While Alaska Suffers Budget Cuts
December 13, 2013
With $2 billion deficit from the governor’s oil giveaway, Alaska cannot afford raises
Today, Representative Les Gara and Representative Scott Kawasaki announced they are filing legislation to prevent recently recommended pay raises for the governor and his top cabinet members from taking effect while Alaskans suffer from cuts to state services and the state is depleting its savings.
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NEWS: It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way
December 12, 2013
Oil Wealth Giveaway increases deficit now, undercuts ability to replenish savings later
A small budget is not surprising, but the lost opportunities for Alaskans and inability to replenish state savings accounts due to recent changes to the state’s oil tax will cost Alaska in the future, said House Democratic leadership today in response to Governor Parnell’s proposed budget.
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