NEWS: Democrats Introduce Permanent Committee to Review State Spending & Revenue
January 19, 2016
JUNEAU – Today, Rep. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), Rep. Sam Kito (D-Juneau), and Rep. Matt Claman (D-Anchorage) introduced HCR 16 to establish the House Standing Committee on Ways & Means to consider methods to control state spending, identify ways to make government programs more efficient, and review measures that raise state revenue.
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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Report Back from Breakfast Meetings on the Budget
January 6, 2016
In preparation for the legislative session and difficult budget decisions I have held several meetings with neighbors this fall, most recently on the 22nd and the 29th of December to gather feedback on Governor Walker’s budget proposal. We had thoughtful conversation and our neighbors had some great questions that I think everyone might be interested in knowing the answers to so we have answered them below.
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Note from Rep. Gara: It’s Still Alive? Anchorage Legislative Building Lease Too Expensive, Not Ended Yet
January 6, 2016
ANCHORAGE – A funny thing happened when I was gone for vacation. At first it looked like legislators would come together and finally agree that we needed to end the overpriced Anchorage Legislative Office Building lease. Then they didn’t.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: NSAP & the U-Med
December 10, 2015
This morning Governor Walker released the details of his New Sustainable Alaska Plan (NSAP) to the public. This announcement came one day after the publication of the new Revenue Sources Book, which breaks down how much Alaska really made during the previous fiscal year. Alaska finds itself in a fiscal crisis highlighted by multi-billion dollar state deficits. I cannot say that I agree with all of the Governor’s policies at first glance. I believe that to say “yes” or “no” to all or some of the Governor’s proposals at this time would be premature since we haven’t had an opportunity to study the impacts.
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NEWS: Massive Scope of Proposed Fiscal Changes Demands Thorough Review of Impacts on Alaskans of All Income Levels
December 9, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
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