Rep. Kerttula’s Newsletter: Happy Holidays

Alaska’s Fiscal Cliff is Avoidable

In the last month, the release of the revenue forecast and the budget from the governor’s administration have shown just how much of a toll the oil wealth giveaway will take on the state’s economic future. But it doesn’t have to be that way and hopefully in the next year, the Legislature and the voters can turn it around.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Neighbor!

This time of year in Fairbanks is beautiful, if cold. I hope the warmth of the season reaches you as you spend time with family and loved ones. The interim has gone by quickly and I have been busy preparing for the upcoming Legislative session in January. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many of you who are doing great work for our community and I can’t wait to support these efforts down in Juneau.

Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Alaska’s Fiscal Cliff

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is nearly time for my staff and me to move back to Juneau for the second session of the 28th Alaska State Legislature. Other than the mere fact that it is December 19th and the session convenes one month from today, the Governor just released his budget and the Department of Revenue submitted its fall report on revenue sources for Alaska, which are both tell-tale signs that session is coming, and in this case, that we need to tighten our belts. In this newsletter I will discuss both of these subjects and how each will impact the upcoming session.

Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: A $2 Billion Goof

• “$2 billion revenue shortfall sparks oil tax debate” — Anchorage Daily News
• “Oil Tax Revenue Expected To Decline By $2 Billion” — Alaska Public Radio
• “Alaska Revenue Forecast Shows Unanticipated Multibillion-Dollar Deficit” — Alaska Dispatch

Translation: We, the State of Alaska, have $2 billion less in oil revenue this coming year than we thought.

Note from Rep. Gara: No Politics, Just A Strong Yank At Your Heartstrings: “Laptops For Foster Youth” Holiday Drive

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We missed our Chanukah Edition. Oy (I’m Jewish and can say that!). But with Christmas approaching, and this being a holiday season for many, I just want to take advantage of your amazing generosity. Again. Because I know you care, and you’ve shown it over and over.

Is the soft sell going OK so far?

NEWS: Holiday Drive: Laptops for Foster Youth

Improving One Life at a Time

(ANCHORAGE) – Today, Representative Les Gara and Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) are launching the Laptops for Foster Youth Holiday Drive.

Note from Rep. Gara: Guv’s Budget: No Raise For Kids & A Proposed Governor Pay Raise??

Dear Neighbors,

What’s bad for the goose is bad for the gander. Or better put, you can’t ask for yourself what you don’t give to others.

Yesterday the Governor introduced his budget. Smart cuts and efficiencies are needed in light of the $2 billion drop in Alaska revenue projected for next year. And with the Governor’s new oil tax law – which will guarantee multi-billion dollar deficits long into the future, a budget, even a reduced one, should have a vision.

NEWS: No Raises for Governor, Cabinet While Alaska Suffers Budget Cuts

With $2 billion deficit from the governor’s oil giveaway, Alaska cannot afford raises

Today, Representative Les Gara and Representative Scott Kawasaki announced they are filing legislation to prevent recently recommended pay raises for the governor and his top cabinet members from taking effect while Alaskans suffer from cuts to state services and the state is depleting its savings.

NEWS: It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way

Oil Wealth Giveaway increases deficit now, undercuts ability to replenish savings later

A small budget is not surprising, but the lost opportunities for Alaskans and inability to replenish state savings accounts due to recent changes to the state’s oil tax will cost Alaska in the future, said House Democratic leadership today in response to Governor Parnell’s proposed budget.

Note from Rep. Gara: State Invents “New” Numbers On $ Loss From New Oil Tax Law

Dear Neighbors,

Flip flop. Too much spin makes one nauseous. If you ask the public, in politics it either makes you nauseous, or not care. What’s the saying? You can fool some of the people some of the time, but…..well, someone help me with how that one goes - folksy sayings aren’t my strength.