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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NEWS: Democratic Representatives Will Hold Legislative Community Meeting Saturday in Fairbanks
February 9, 2016
Juneau – Fairbanks area residents are invited to a community meeting Saturday afternoon in Fairbanks. The town hall meeting is being sponsored by House Finance Committee member Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and House Health and Social Services Committee member Representative Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks). The meeting will be a fun opportunity for people to discuss legislative and community issues with Reps. Kawasaki and Wool in an informal setting.
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NEWS: House and Senate Minorities Propose Creating a Caucus of the Whole in the Alaska Legislature
February 8, 2016
Juneau – Last Friday was the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Constitution. The convention in Fairbanks featured 55 Alaskans, elected from all regions and walks of life. These far-thinking delegates came together as one and crafted a document that has guided not only the state government, but also Alaska’s institutions and people. The constitutional example is being followed today by the Alaska Senate Democrats and the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition as they propose a new structure for the 29th Alaska Legislature.
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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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