Note from Rep. Gara: Reminder: This Saturday, Let’s Talk, We’ll Listen Over Really Good Pizza
March 4, 2016
Last week we sent you an invitation from Senator Ellis and myself to our annual constituent pizza talk. We get to give you an update on the legislative session and more importantly, we get to listen to your thoughts.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Constituent Survey Results and Medicaid Lawsuit Update
March 3, 2016
Thank you to everyone who completed our constituent survey! Your feedback is very helpful as we work through the state’s budget challenges. There are still several opportunities to share your perspective at hearings on the budget and the Governor’s revenue bills. I will keep you notified as more opportunities become available. Currently, no public testimony has been scheduled for
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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Testify on the Budget Tomorrow!
February 29, 2016
I was disappointed that on Wednesday, my colleagues, with the exception of Rep. Andy Josephson, on the University budget subcommittee voted for devastating cuts to the University of Alaska budget. These cuts could cost hundreds of jobs and have a drastic effect on our economy. I supported an amendment from my colleague Rep. Josephson to bring funding back to the governor’s requested level and I introduced amendments to restore funding for research, the Museum of the North, and the University Fire Department. Unfortunately Rep. Josephson and I were outvoted on all these amendments. I also spoke about how in tough economic times, it’s especially important to make sure we are supporting our University.
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Rep. Drummond’s Newsletter: Budget Closeouts: It’s not pretty
February 26, 2016
Closeouts?
This is the part of the budget process when the Finance subcommittees finalize their changes to the budget Governor Walker submitted. This process can get a little squirrely, and there is ample opportunity for the chair of the subcommittee to amend the governor’s budget to include pretty sweeping cuts. After the subcommittees meet, they add to and subtract from the governor’s budget, they then amend their recommendations and send them on to the full House Finance Committee. This is the Legislature’s first step in passing a budget, and I am already pretty concerned with what I see.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Part 2 of 2: Facts Matter & Upcoming Public Testimony To Legislators
February 26, 2016
Yesterday I gave you a quick heads up about tomorrow’s chance to testify before your Anchorage legislators, and on next week’s public testimony on the House version of the Operating Budget. The legislature writes the budget in old style Aramaic. So I thought I’d decipher a few things you might be interested in.
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