NEWS: GOP Ignoring Oil Tax Credit Spending Cap
May 27, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Today, the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition released a memo from the Alaska Department of Revenue showing the Republican-proposed budget spends $600 million more on oil tax credits than provided for under Alaska’s statutory cap on credit payments.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Massive School Cuts; Massive Oil Company Gifts?
April 6, 2015
Last week the Senate passed additional major cuts to public school teachers, job counselors and education staff. Last year I and others tried to amend a three-year “education” plan that required educator cuts in many districts, and that was made worse last month when the Republican-led House Majority passed a budget deleting $32 million in promised education funds. Things got worse Friday when the Republican-led Senate hit schools with yet an additional $47 million in cuts. I believe in smart budget cuts, but not cuts with a bludgeon, or cuts that harm educational opportunity for the next generation.
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NEWS: Fiscal Crisis Prompts Common Sense Solution
March 31, 2015
JUNEAU— In the next fiscal year, the State of Alaska will be required to pay out $700 million in oil company tax credits while the state is projected to only take in $300 million in production taxes. That will result in a net loss of $400 million to the public. Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) and Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) have sponsored legislation to protect Alaska in times of depressed oil prices by adjusting the current production tax floor from 4% to 12.5%.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Unnecessary Danger to Kenai Kings and Trout; SB 21 Oil Loopholes Kill Value Of ANWR Oil
January 26, 2015
This state has a history of railing against the federal government. Well, this is a part rail and a part call for personal responsibility so we get our own house in order.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Near Zero Value Nuna Oilfield Deal Challenged
November 21, 2014
Anchorage – Thursday Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) asked the Parnell Administration to hold off on a controversial proposal for tens of millions of dollars in additional tax reductions on a North Slope oilfield. Last week Governor Parnell’s Commissioner of Natural Resources announced his proposal to reduce the 12.5% royalty on the Nuna oilfield by over 50%.
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