Note from Rep. Gara: Safer Streets, Better Schools
We have all been shaken by a crime spree that has made many people feel unsafe across Anchorage. The same holds true for many communities across Alaska. While police protection is largely a city issue, and I believe the Mayor wants to address the issue, there is a state role for state legislators too. I was not, and am not, happy with legislation passed last year by conservative leaders that massively cut the amount of help communities receive from the state for things like police and firefighters. Public safety isn’t free, and I voted against that legislation, which will cut the help Anchorage receives for these basic services by roughly 67%, or $9 million over two years.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Back to School!
On Monday, students in the Anchorage School District are headed back to school! With the 2016-2017 school year approaching, it is important to honor our teachers and thank them for their hard work.
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NEWS: Budget Compromise Prevents Threat of Government Shutdown and Protects the Alaska Economy
Juneau – Today, the Alaska Legislature passed fully funded budgets for the next fiscal year that removes the threat of the first ever government shutdown in Alaska. The operating and capital budgets were passed with significant support from members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) after weeks of bipartisan negotiations between the Minority and Majority Caucuses in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
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Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: The Special Session
Last week on Wednesday, the legislature adjourned without passing a responsible fiscal plan for Alaska. As the newest member of the Alaska State Legislature, I was extremely disappointed that we were not able to balance the budget even after the session was extended. There is no more important responsibility of the Legislature than to make sure that we honor our responsibility to the people of Alaska by passing a responsible budget. However, we have another chance to get the job done.
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Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: Upcoming Constituent Meeting
Last evening the Second Session of the 29thAlaska Legislature came to a close without any significant action to address the ongoing fiscal crisis. The Legislature failed to pass the FY 2017 Operating Budget, putting thousands of state workers at risk of being laid off.
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