Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Special Session Budget Compromise
June 2, 2016
On Tuesday, the Legislature passed a $4.6 billion operating budget, nearly $500 million less than last year and one of the smallest capital budgets in state history. Nearly $3.2 billion comes from the Constitutional Budget Reserve, the state’s savings account. The session now can be laser-focused on the revenue side of the equation, before our savings become depleted.
Read More →
Rep. Kito’s Newsletter: Southeast Spotlight: budget passed and work ahead
June 2, 2016
We are now on day 11 of the special session, and the legislature has seen some activity, but there is still work to be done. Read on for an update on the operating budget, fiscal planning, and a heads-up on the upcoming interim.
Read More →
NEWS: Budget Compromise Prevents Threat of Government Shutdown and Protects the Alaska Economy
May 31, 2016
Juneau – Today, the Alaska Legislature passed fully funded budgets for the next fiscal year that removes the threat of the first ever government shutdown in Alaska. The operating and capital budgets were passed with significant support from members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) after weeks of bipartisan negotiations between the Minority and Majority Caucuses in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
Read More →
OPINION: Stop Wasteful Spending During a Fiscal Crisis
May 27, 2016
As the newest member of Alaska’s Legislature, there have been a lot of things that have surprised me about our political process. One of the biggest surprises has been the disconnect between our fiscal situation and some of our spending decisions. This was made crystal clear for me on March 10, 2016, which was my first day in the legislature, when we voted on the proposed budget.
Read More →
Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Governor Walker Calls Special Session
May 20, 2016
At midnight on Wednesday, the legislature adjourned without passing a responsible action plan for Alaska and Governor Walker immediately called a special session. The Governor called the special session to address a comprehensive fiscal plan and a limited number of other matters important for Alaska.
Read More →