Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Measure Twice, Cut Once, Voice Your Opinion, Water Rights Bill, Arctic Winter Games
March 7, 2014
There has been a disturbing lack of rigorous vetting of bills during this legislative session. Since 2008, the legislature shortened the session from 120 to 90 days. When the change first took place I was a strong proponent. However, experience has taught me that 90 days is simply not enough time for the legislature to thoroughly understand bills or get adequate public input. Recently, we’ve seen a concerning trend where bills only receive one committee of referral, reducing the opportunity for public input and resulting in less scrutiny on the effects to Alaskan families.
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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Bills Inspired Locally & Free Dental Care
March 7, 2014
A number of the bills that I have proposed this session are based on comments I have received and concerns I have heard from residents of our neighborhoods. I am now working with other Legislators to have the bills heard, and I encourage you to continue to send me suggestions to improve our neighborhood and our State.
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Note from Rep. Gara: How Education Cuts Are Tied To the Oil Giveaway; Foster Youth Volunteer Training
March 5, 2014
OK, this will be short. Really. I’ve spent the week writing a detailed document on how the oil giveaway passed last year requires nothing from oil companies in return for their billions in Alaska tax breaks. Giving away billions without requiring anything in return is a fool’s game. And it’s killing our schools.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Legislature Approaching Midway Mark
March 3, 2014
Since 2008, the legislative session has been a quick 90 days. Previously, we had 120 days to introduce, debate and finalize legislation. With such a short time of deliberation, legislation moves fast. I’ve diligently asked the hard questions about the true impacts of legislation to regular, everyday families.
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CORRECTED: Note from Rep. Gara: Politicians Should Give Back Your Vote, Avoid Annual Abortion Scuffle
March 3, 2014
Today I filed legislation no party in power would like. It will give you back your vote by eliminating the power the party in power has to gerrymander districts in their favor. This hasn’t been a monopoly of Republicans, though they gerrymandered Alaska’s lines most recently in 2012. Parties have used their majority status to “gerrymander” districts, to try to pre-determine election results, since Governor Elbridge Gerry did it in 1812.
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