Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: The Budget, SB91 and a Zombie in the Legislature

Rep. Josephson's Newsletter Today marks the 109th day of the second session of the 29th Legislature and we are still here in Juneau. There are three major issues in front of the legislature that are keeping us from adjourning. One of those issues, the Criminal Omnibus legislation, was passed from the House. It awaits a vote on “reconsideration” next week. It will likely pass on reconsideration and be returned back to the Senate where they will vote on concurrence (in other words, they will decide whether they like the House’s changes to the original bill). I will cover this topic more in a subsequent section, so be sure to read below.
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Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Day 100 and Counting

Rep. Spohnholz newsletter It’s time for the total package! Alaska has a $4.1 billion deficit due a budget that has been over reliant on one source of revenue—oil—which is at historically low prices right now. Oil is not projected to get above $50 per barrel anytime in the next 10 years, so we can’t just hope for prices to rebound. We only have enough funds on hand to cover about 25% of Alaska’s budget.
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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: It feels like déjà vu around here…

Rep. Wool Newsletter 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

Claman's Alaska Matters 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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