OP-ED: Pivotal Moment in Alaska’s History
December 7, 2015
This moment in Alaska’s history is pivotal in determining what our future as a state will look like. The sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production in return for excessive tax cuts and credits have resulted in a nearly $3.5 billion budget gap that must be closed. Alaska is required by law to produce a balanced budget. However, a budget is more than just numbers on a page. It should reflect the basic values of the people.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Op-Ed: Shiny New Legislative Building No Place To Get People’s Work Done
May 7, 2015
Below is an Op-Ed I wrote yesterday. It explains why the Legislature’s work isn’t that hard, should be done by now, and why taking a break from work in the Capitol doesn’t move our work forward. Here’s the link. The text is pasted below. As always, call or write if you have any questions!
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OP-ED: Rep. Tarr Political Pipeline piece on Erins Law
January 26, 2015
“I also ask that this legislature make Alaska the next state to pass Erin’s Law.” That was Governor Walkers’ call to action in his State of the State address Wednesday night. I applaud Governor Walker for joining in our effort to pass Erin’s Law so that we can implement this important prevention strategy to help keep our students safe.
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OP-ED: Rep. Tuck Political Pipeline Commentary
January 20, 2015
I am excited to start the 29th Alaska Legislature. But like many Alaskans I am anxious about our future. We face a crisis that threatens our livelihoods and futures. The Republican leadership promoted unstainable spending and shifted the benefits of our resources to outside interests. Our situation was made worse with the sudden drop in oil prices.
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Rep. Kerttula Op-Ed: Oil tax reduction? Not before production
February 25, 2013
Alaska doesn’t have to be a company town to be a resource state. But to be a successful resource state, we must get our resources to market and get a fair return for selling them. That’s why Alaska Democratic legislators put forward a proposal to spark development of new fields, squeeze more oil from existing fields, and advance non-tax ideas for getting more oil out of the ground and into the pipeline.
It’s simple: Production before reduction. Our bill puts Alaska first instead of giving away billions of dollars for nothing but promises and the status quo. If an oil company puts more oil in the pipeline than they are now, they pay less in taxes on that oil.
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