Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Special Session Update
June 3, 2016
On Tuesday, the legislature passed a compromise budget package funded by the Constitutional Budget Reserve as is needed. This budget compromise is far from perfect, as are many compromises, but it allows us to keep Alaska open for business so that the fishing, tourism and business communities can continue to operate during the summer. The budget compromise ensures that we don’t face a crippling government shut down which would further damage the State of Alaska’s credit rating and hurt the thousands of Alaskan state employees and those who count on their essential efforts. In this special session update, I will describe these budgets generally as well as what is next in the special session.
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NEWS: No Progress and No Communication on Linchpin to a Comprehensive Fiscal Plan
June 3, 2016
Juneau – The members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) have consistently insisted that any plan to address Alaska’s ongoing fiscal crisis be comprehensive in nature and include reform to our flawed oil and gas subsidy system that is costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars. House Bill 247 remains the linchpin to a successful fiscal plan, yet the Conference Committee has not met during the 4th Special Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature. House Resources Committee member Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) represents the AIDC on the Conference Committee and is the only member of the conference committee that originally voted yes on the compromise House bill that passed with bipartisan support.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: 120 Day Session Adjourns, Oil and Gas Update
May 20, 2016
The 29th Alaska State Legislature adjourned Wednesday night with many of the state’s most pressing issues still unresolved. Despite coming close to agreement on the state operating budget, the one thing the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass, the Legislature is still deadlocked on oil tax subsidies and education funding. In fact, the Republican-led Senate Majority gaveled out before the House could vote on an agreement to extend the session just before midnight. While it’s clear we are much closer to reaching an agreement, we still have miles to go.
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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: It feels like déjà vu around here…
April 20, 2016
I’m writing you from Juneau again, and it feels like déjà vu – we’re here past our 90 day limit again. In many ways I’m not surprised, as we’re talking about a lot of major issues this year: restructuring the Permanent Fund, income or sales taxes, reforming our oil tax credits, making significant changes to our Medicaid program, and an overhaul of our crime laws. I hoped we could finish in 90 days, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. I am committed to staying as long as it takes to craft a real solution, because we cannot afford to kick the can down the road another year. My goal has always been to support a long term, comprehensive fiscal solution, and I spoke about that at a press conference earlier this month.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Positive Moves by the Legislature
April 19, 2016
The voter mandated last day of session (90 days) has come and gone and the Legislature is now in overtime. Although we worked past midnight on Sunday passing bills, the budget remains incomplete. The state still faces a $4.1 billion deficit and we need a responsible action plan for Alaska. Separate from major pieces of legislation, like the budget and revenue generating bills, several good pieces of legislation passed the House and Senate this session. As we continue discussions about the budget and a responsible action plan for Alaska, please feel free to contact my office at (907) 465-4919.
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