NEWS: Time To Diversify Alaska Economy: Democrats Filing Bill To Encourage New Alaska Business

(ANCHORAGE) – Today Democratic legislators announced they were pre-filing legislation this coming week to help diversify Alaska’s resource-dependent economy, so that job opportunities can be created in new areas, in addition to resource jobs.

NEWS: Democrats Push to Lower Student Loan Burden for Alaskans

Measure cuts high loan rates for Alaskans who remain in or return to Alaska

JUNEAU – Today, seven Democratic legislators announced they will pre-file legislation to reduce the high cost of student loans for Alaskans who stay in or return to Alaska. “It is telling that you can get a 2.75 percent interest rate for a used car loan, but pay upwards of 6.5 to 8 percent for job training and college loans in Alaska,” said Rep. Les Gara. Lowering the cost of education and job training for Alaskans helps both students and the state by reducing costs to Alaskans and giving all Alaskans who want to open new career doors the incentive to help improve Alaska’s economy.

NEWS: 3rd Annual Holiday Laptops for Foster Youth Drive - Improving One Life At A Time

(ANCHORAGE) – Today Rep. Les Gara and the foster care group, Facing Foster Care In Alaska (FFCA), are launching the third annual Laptops for Foster Youth Holiday Drive. Over the past two years this drive has resulted in approximately 200 matches for youth. “Laptops are crucial to helping youth improve their chances of success in school, and establishing normalcy in very disrupted lives of youth who often have very few material possessions,” said Gara, a former foster youth whose father was killed when he was 6.

[video] Anchorage Neighborhood Heroes: Alexander Avenue Drainage Project

Video celebrating the Alexander Avenue Drainage Project and it’s heroes. Shelly Hennessy, Action Committee Leader, and the East Thunderbird Condo Association are honored. Hosted by Representative Sharon Cissna.

NEWS: Democrats Question New Revenue Projections

Enormous implications mean new assumptions need more scrutiny

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats raised concerns about the methodology and timing of the Parnell Administration’s new revenue projection model and asked Department of Revenue Commissioner Bryan Butcher to release to the public more details about its latest income projections. House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) met with Commissioner Butcher and his staff this week to discuss the new report, but she was not satisfied with the explanations she received.

Note from Rep. Gara: A Blatantly Alarmist E-News: Help A Foster Youth Lead A Good Life

I hope this letter finds you well. It finds me well. But it finds hundreds of Alaska’s foster youth needing help if they are to have a chance to fulfill the dreams they are entitled to pursue as Americans and Alaskans. And they need your help.

Below is an opinion piece I have run in newspapers. In case you missed it - here’s my “post-election bickering, put politics aside” heart tug.

Newsletter from Rep. Sharon Cissna

Dear Constituents and Neighbors:

A celebration was held and an award was given this past June to highlight a District 22 project and its final passage in the State Capital Budget. The award for the Alexander Street drainage Project completion included a presentation as an example of how communities and neighbors can make a difference. This project is located in the eastern side of the Airport Heights Community Council. The project process started formally about three years ago. If you watch the video, linked to this page, you can see that the ‘start’ was when enough neighbors started talking about what was happening in their basements (each had not mentioned the problem to fellow condo association members, thinking that they were the only one with disgusting corrosive pools in their crawl-spaces.)

Note from Rep. Gara: Saving Paper & Glass: But Why You Still Get Those Bulky Yellow Pages!

Your E-News is back! I hope that’s good news to you, and hope you are enjoying a good holiday season. Under state law I was not allowed to write E-Newsletters actively prior to the election (so I wouldn’t have an advantage over my opponent), and, frankly, I wanted to give you - and me! - a break from politics after the election.

Saving Paper on the Skinny White Pages, But What About those Fat Yellow Pages?

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Give Thanks

Dear Neighbors,

With the election behind us it’s now time to roll up our sleeves and get to work as we prepare for the 28th Legislative Session, which will begin on January 15th. My office will continue to be open for your legislative needs until we transition to Juneau in early January. You are always welcome to call, email or drop by in person. As we prepare for a new session it is helpful to get feedback and hear your legislative requests.

Rep. Tuck’s Community Connection: A Time to Give Thanks; Holiday Help Needed by Local Charities

Dear Neighbors,

In my life, I tend to be most thankful when a burden has been lifted or I have received something that I didn’t deserve. Unfortunately, I tend to take for granted the little blessings in my life. But shouldn’t we always be thankful? Not only when our burdens are relieved but also when we are experiencing good times and during bad times?