Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Top 6: Oil Tax Change is Bad for Alaska – Plus: District Capital Budget Projects

The House of Representatives gaveled out of the first session of the 28th Alaska State Legislature at 11:35 p.m. on April 14, 2013.Overall, it was a disappointing session for Alaska, with the elimination of cruise ship waste standards, passage of a massive giveaway of Alaskans’ oil wealth, and no commitment to education. Click here to read an article from KFSK in Petersburg on my take on the session.

I’m also including a list of some of District 32′s capital budget items in this newsletter. In anticipation of large budget deficits due to the oil tax giveaway, the Legislature returned to the more modest capital budgets of years past.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Working to End Discrimination, Plus: While You Were Sleeping… Oil Taxes Advance

While the end of the 90-day session is in 10 days, I am not sure we will adjourn on time (or we may be back for a special session).

A bright point of my week was learning that my anti-discrimination bill will get a hearing in House State Affairs on Tuesday morning. Read below for more information about the bill and the hearing.

It was terrific to see the huge turnout at Stop the Giveaway rallies against the oil tax bill across the state. I was disappointed that I couldn’t attend the rally in Juneau, but I was on the House Floor defending teachers against a bill that unfairly alters tenure.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Women’s History Month

Celebrating Women and Looking Toward the Future

This year we have more women in the Alaska State Legislature than ever before! I appreciate the efforts of all the women who came before me who made that possible. This newsletter is in honor of Women’s History Month, March 2013.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Save Our Schools

Alaska’s children are facing attacks on their education this year – from eroding foundation funding to vouchers to early education cuts. On Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to make your voice heard on these issues in a hearing hosted by Alaska’s Democratic Legislators from 1-3 p.m. in Room 203 at the Capitol Building. See the flyer below for more information.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Budget Cuts in Critical Programs

Cuts Target Programs that Most Benefit Our Economy

There are certain milestones that mark the passage of the legislative session. Passing the Operating Budget over to the Senate is one of those milestones. Yesterday, I voted against passage of the budget because I felt that the cuts imposed by the majority-led subcommittees cut some of the most critical programs that provide great benefit to our economy.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: It’s Time to Focus on Education; Also: Budget Public Testimony Next Week

Today is the 46th day of the 90-day session. We’re just past the half-way mark and still there hasn’t been an open discussion on how to improve Alaska’s schools. It’s high time we did so.

Next week, you’ll have the opportunity to provide your opinion on the operating budget before the House Finance Committee. Also next week, U.S. Senator Begich will address the Legislature. See below for details.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Production Before Reduction

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Governor’s Give Away

Guv’s Oil & Gas Tax Bill is Bad for Alaska

It seems like every year, the Legislature is largely consumed with oil and gas taxes. There’s a very good reason for that – those taxes provide for over 90% of Alaska’s general fund. This year is no exception. The governor has once again introduced legislation to give away our resources.

I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

Rep. Kerttula’s Newsletter: Alaskan Waters Threatened by Initiative Roll-Back

My first session in the Legislature, I introduced legislation to protect our Alaskan waters from harmful and toxic cruise ship waste. Although it was not my legislation that eventually passed, I am proud to have been part of the effort to establish ground-breaking standards for cruise ship discharge.

Keeping Alaskan waters pristine is essential to protecting the thriving industries that rely on our oceans, including fisheries and tourism, and our Alaskan way of life.

Rep. Kerttula’s Newsletter: Celebrating the Beginning of Session

The beginning of session is a busy but exciting time. I’m looking forward to representing Juneau, Petersburg, Skagway, Gustavus, Tenakee Springs, Krupreanof, Excursion Inlet and Hobart Bay in the 28th Alaska State Legislature. Here are some pictures from yesterday, which was the first day of session.

I always enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office when you’re in downtown Juneau or call, write or email.