The Drummond Dispatch: Notes from Juneau

Over the years I’ve watched the end of session rush of bills from afar on Gavel to Gavel, so I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was in for when I came down to Juneau.

Now that we are down to the wire and I am in the thick of it, I can tell you it’s even more hectic on this end!

Rep. Drummond’s Newsletter: Loussac Meeting, Senator Begich and Other Events

Rep Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: March 8th, 2013

Friends and Neighbors,

The Legislature is well over the half way mark and we are in a sprint to the finish. There is still a lot to do before we adjourn April 14th. Oil taxes, a gas line, LNG trucking and the capital budget will probably steal the show at the end.

The Operating Budget will be on the House Floor this next week and I am preparing amendments that focus on education and health and social services.

Rep. Drummond’s Newsletter: Notes from Juneau

Session is in full swing now, which means the oil tax debate is ramping up. It’s safe to say everyone in the capitol agrees oil taxes need to be changed, but how we’re going to get there has been the biggest debate in the legislature for several years now.

I’ve had a chance to read through both the Governor’s oil tax bill and the alternative bill that Democrats introduced this week. What I like about the Democrat’s bill, HB111, is that it provides incentives for getting more oil in the pipeline. Unlike the Governor’s bill, there aren’t tax reductions for oil companies unless they start producing more. It also encourages new exploration and will make the industry more competitive.

Rep. Geran Tarr’s Newsletter: Oil Taxes and More!

Getting our fair share: Production before Reduction

A key issue this session is getting our fair share for our resources. This week, the Senate and House Democrats introduced a proposal to ensure new production before reduction. I am proud to be a sponsor of HB 111. This bill will strengthen our economy, ensure a fair return on our oil, and get more oil to the market. This bill will protect Alaska’s savings and won’t break the bank while doing it!

Rep. Geran Tarr’s Newsletter: Two Weeks In…

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. On January 15, I was sworn in on the floor and signed the Oath of Office with the lieutenant governor.

Accompanying me to the signing of the Oath of Office were my two staffers, Joe Caissie and Monica Southworth. Joe has experience with economics and possesses a keen interest in resource development in Alaska. Last year he was a law clerk for Justice Christen on the Alaska Supreme Court. Monica is a life-long Alaskan, originally from Unalaska, AK. She has worked in the legislature for the past two years and I’m excited to have both of them as my legislative team.