NEWS: Knik Arm Bridge Should Be Removed from Transportation Priority List
Anchorage – Representatives Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Harriet Drummond (D-Anchorage) encourage the public to comment on the need to stop wasteful spending on the proposed Knik Arm Crossing project. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is accepting public comments until Friday, August 19th on whether the roughly $2 billion bridge project should be removed from the current state transportation priority list.
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Rep. Sam Kito III’s Newsletter: Less Than Ten Days to Go
The pace here in the Legislature has picked up considerably with only a little over a week to go. With the passage of the operating budget from both houses, and establishment of the operating budget Conference Committee, we are now under the 24 hour rule which means committees can schedule bill hearings with 24 hour notice. We have also started having floor sessions into the evening, working our way through bills and resolutions. Some major pieces of the “end game” are in play including the capital budget, the education bill and the natural gas pipleline bill. There is still some question about whether we will be able to complete our work before the statutory session deadline of April 20th.
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NEWS: Gara to KABATA, Susitna Hydro: Stop Spending Public Money to Promote Unsanctioned Projects
JUNEAU – In letters sent today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor and the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) to stop spending public funds promoting their projects before the public or legislature has sanctioned the project.
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Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Top 6: Oil Tax Change is Bad for Alaska - Plus: District Capital Budget Projects
The House of Representatives gaveled out of the first session of the 28th Alaska State Legislature at 11:35 p.m. on April 14, 2013.Overall, it was a disappointing session for Alaska, with the elimination of cruise ship waste standards, passage of a massive giveaway of Alaskans’ oil wealth, and no commitment to education. Click here to read an article from KFSK in Petersburg on my take on the session.
I’m also including a list of some of District 32’s capital budget items in this newsletter. In anticipation of large budget deficits due to the oil tax giveaway, the Legislature returned to the more modest capital budgets of years past.
Thank you for reading my newsletter. I enjoy hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email me.
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Rep. Drummond’s Dispatch: 2013 Final Notes from Juneau
Sunday, April 15 marked the final day of the 2013 legislative session, and there’s no doubt about it: This was a rough session.
The Giveaway Gang
The House Majority used their superior numbers to push through terrible legislation that could have a devastating impact on the lives of everyday Alaskans. SB21, the oil wealth giveaway bill, is going to remove about $1 billion a year from Alaska’s economy.
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