Note from Rep. Gara: Peeling the Onion: Major School Cuts Don’t Jibe With “Record” School Funding Claims
February 5, 2013
Last week I mentioned that I and many of my colleagues had filed legislation to stop a third year of damaging school staff cuts, and to make up for prior cuts so our students can have the courses and teachers they need to succeed and become vital parts of a strong economy.
Read More →
Note from Rep. Gara: Rehabilitating the Truth On Oil Taxes, Avoidable School Cuts, Record UA Foster Youth Enrollment
October 1, 2012
Would You Like Some Facts With Your Hyperbole, Sir?
It hasn’t surprised me to hear some of the claims on the oil tax debate this past year. The implication is that those who didn’t support the Governor’s $2 billion giveaway (which allows companies to take our tax dollars and spend them outside Alaska if they wish) are happy with the status quo. Horsepucky. Hey, did you know there is no computer spell check for horsepucky? Well, that’s not important. Anyway, no one in the Legislature voted for the status quo. NO ONE.
Read More →
Berta’s Briefings from Rep. Gardner: Back to School Update
September 10, 2012
With our children back at school, I have been thinking about the beginning of each school year as a chance to make a fresh start with the winds of change. Unfortunately, the intense winds we received across Anchorage last week were a bit too strong – as many of our neighbors are still reeling from the aftermath. Likewise, the Anchorage School District (ASD) is still reeling from budget cuts it was forced to make earlier in the year.
Read More →
Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Special Session Over, Budget Vetoes Done
May 22, 2012
It’s been almost a month since my last e-news and a lot has happened in that time. My office grew by two members: Anna White joined my staff during the special session and early this month, she gave birth to baby boy Quinlan. My husband Jim Powell received his PhD from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Natural Resources and Sustainability in mid-May. I am immensely proud of all the work he put into achieving this goal.
Because it’s been a while since my last newsletter, I’ll catch you up on the major legislative events that have occurred in the meantime. After a particularly exciting few days during special session, it finally ended with a whimper rather than a bang early Monday evening. Also, the governor released his line-item vetoes of the capital and operating budgets and I’ll share more detail below.
Read More →
Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Interior Budget Highlights; Reducing the Cost of Energy
May 18, 2012
Friends and Neighbors,
These sunny days are what the Interior is all about. I hope that everyone is getting the opportunity to enjoy them and gear up for some summer activities.
Spring also means Graduation time! Congratulations to all of our 2012 graduates! I wish you the best on all your future endeavors.
Read More →
