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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Note from Rep. Gara: Budget Testimony Tuesday; Pebble Mine Being Panned?
February 28, 2014
There’s still quite a bit of work to do on the budget, and your input is needed. If you live in Anchorage, testimony is Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:45. The temporary legislative information office (LIO) is located at 733 W 4th Ave, Suite 100 (right across the street from the former location). You must sign in to testify, and testimony is limited to two minutes per person. A list of testimony times and days for people around the state can be found below.
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