Note from Rep. Gara: End of Session Inching Closer. Or Not.
April 15, 2011
Sunday is the official end of session, but there have been tensions between the House Speaker – who gave a speech suggesting a possible extended session - and Senate leaders. Presently, since I have learned over the past nine years that I can’t change any of the minds that will make that decision, I’m walking around those folks in a ducking position and looking right and left a lot to make sure I don’t end up in crossfire.
Except – I did end up in crossfire yesterday, first in a fight over the Governor’s scholarship bill, and then on a last minute move that took increased K-12 education funding out of a bill last night.
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Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL END OF SESSION (MAYBE) EDITION
April 15, 2011
Oil Taxes? Who Knows?
Apparently we are not going to pass an oil tax bill this session. Fine by me. Maybe the delay will allow Gov. Sean Parnell to come to his senses and realize that giving the oil industry a couple of billion dollars a year because – well, just because – isn’t good public policy.
And maybe monkeys will fly out of my nose.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Capital Budget Update; Time is Counting Down;
April 14, 2011
The Capital Budget is one of the last items to pass at the end of session. The budget contains all of the funds for construction of roads and buildings and special appropriations for one-time items requested by communities. This year, I focused on projects to improve the quality of life, improve energy availability and major state responsibilities including education and state infrastructure. The budget contains some of these important projects for the Fairbanks. The state received thousands of requests that total several billion dollars to 432 communities. Though they are all important to the someone, the Senate had to do a good job of cutting out all but the essential priorities.
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Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL TOO LATE TO DO MUCH DAMAGE EDITION
April 8, 2011
NOW The Work Has To Start?
As I have gotten older, my allergy to work has increased. Even in its advanced state, it’s true, my work allergy doesn’t rival that of my boyhood idol, Maynard G. Krebs, who had what looked, on television anyway, like he was having a grand mal seizure every time he heard the word “work”.
But still. The past week has been too much. Here’s a truncated account of the work I’ve done just in the powerful House Finance Committee.
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