Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: It feels like déjà vu around here…
April 20, 2016
I’m writing you from Juneau again, and it feels like déjà vu – we’re here past our 90 day limit again. In many ways I’m not surprised, as we’re talking about a lot of major issues this year: restructuring the Permanent Fund, income or sales taxes, reforming our oil tax credits, making significant changes to our Medicaid program, and an overhaul of our crime laws. I hoped we could finish in 90 days, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. I am committed to staying as long as it takes to craft a real solution, because we cannot afford to kick the can down the road another year. My goal has always been to support a long term, comprehensive fiscal solution, and I spoke about that at a press conference earlier this month.
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Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Day 92
April 19, 2016
We have had some big accomplishments in the last few days including passing military justice reform and Medicaid reform. These are both comprehensive reform bills that garnered bipartisan support. However, there are still major issues outstanding before the legislature, and no clear path forward. Before I get into these topics I have a quick request:
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Positive Moves by the Legislature
April 19, 2016
The voter mandated last day of session (90 days) has come and gone and the Legislature is now in overtime. Although we worked past midnight on Sunday passing bills, the budget remains incomplete. The state still faces a $4.1 billion deficit and we need a responsible action plan for Alaska. Separate from major pieces of legislation, like the budget and revenue generating bills, several good pieces of legislation passed the House and Senate this session. As we continue discussions about the budget and a responsible action plan for Alaska, please feel free to contact my office at (907) 465-4919.
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NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition and Alaska Senate Democrats Press Availability Scheduled for Tuesday Morning
April 18, 2016
Juneau – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) and Alaska Senate Democrats will hold a joint press availability Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. Participants will include AIDC Leader Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), Senate Minority Leader Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage), Sen. Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), and House Minority Whip Rep. Sam Kito (D-Juneau).
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Day 90 With no Budget Deal: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
April 18, 2016
Ninety days have passed, and the legislature is now in overtime. Republican leadership has failed to work out a deal and the House Independent Democratic Coalition expect them to request a special session. There have been some good things to pass so far, but there is still work that is being held up by leadership. Here’s an update on the good, the bad and the ugly as we roll over into an extended session. As always, if you have any questions on a certain piece of legislation, please contact my office at (907) 456-7423.
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