Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Join me on Saturday!
February 9, 2016
I will be back home in Fairbanks this weekend and I want to see you at the community meeting I will be holding with my colleague Rep. Scott Kawasaki Saturday February 13 at the Gulliver’s Books, 2nd Story Café (3525 College Road) from 1 to 3 pm. This will be a fun and informal opportunity to discuss the budget, the governor’s proposed fiscal plan, and the other issues that are important to you. Scott and I will provide lunch, and I hope you will bring your questions and ideas.
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Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: Minority Proposes “Caucus of the Whole”
February 9, 2016
Yesterday the democratic coalition rolled out a compromise message to the legislature. The minority leaders from both the house and the senate proposed a “caucus of the whole”—a unified legislature—one which works together and removes partisanship in the legislature to aid in moving forward in finding a solution to the budget deficit. This proposition was set forth with the spirit of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Constitution in mind, when people from all sides were able to come together and do what was best for our newly emerging state.
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Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: Interior Fire Chiefs, Fox Spring & Oil/Gas Credits
February 5, 2016
As session progresses and the legislature starts to examine the Governor’s proposed New Sustainable Alaska Plan, I am meeting with individuals and organizations from across the state to chat about what’s important. With so many proposed cuts, it’s imperative that we take the time to consider the role of government in Alaska in order to prevent a recession. Simply cutting our way out of the budget deficit is unrealistic and would harm the economy.
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Rep. Drummond’s Newsletter: The Heat is On
February 3, 2016
The heat is on. The budget finance subcommittees are in full swing and bills are moving. Not to beat a dead horse, but the main issue this year is the budget, and we are currently reviewing the Governor’s proposal to change the Permanent Fund Dividend. Touching the PFD has traditionally been a political no-no. But historically we haven’t seen these kinds of deficits. Most Alaskans seem to agree that to solve the problem we are going to have to use a mix of new revenue, government cuts, and draws on Alaska’s savings accounts including the Permanent Fund earnings reserve. Exactly how much of each of those solutions we will draw on is the crux of the debate.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Are You Earthquake Prepared? Some Useful Safety Tips
February 2, 2016
Every day I talk to legislators in both parties to see if we can build a bi-partisan fiscal plan. I’m trying to keep things calm. I’m trying not to say “no,” even to proposals that cause me concern. A fair compromise will have to include elements most members don’t love. Compromise involves principled give and take. I’m listening to everyone’s ideas, and hoping enough members of the Republican majority will also be willing to put together a balanced, fair, bi-partisan fiscal plan.
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