Representative
David Guttenberg

My staff:
Meredith Cameron
Ron Clarke

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@akleg.gov

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Proud to serve
District 38:
Alakanuk; Anderson; Cantwell; Chevak; Clear; Denali Park; Emmonak; Ester; Ferry; Four Mile Road; Goldstream; Grayling; Healy; Hooper Bay; Kotlik; Lake Minchumina; Manley Hot Springs; Marshall; McGrath; Minto; Mountain Village; Nenana; Nikolai; Nunam Iqua; Pilot Station; Pitkas Point; Ruby; Scammon Bay; St. Mary’s; Takotna; Tanana

March 21st, 2013

Friends and Neighbors,

I want to take this opportunity to tell you about upcoming opportunities to affect the budget and policy moving through the Legislature.

S.O.S- Save Our Schools

This legislative session has seen numerous education policy bills that would significantly change our public education system. Couple this with a lack of basic funding and we are in danger of doing significant harm to our families, students, teachers and staff.

Education is the key to Alaska’s present and future. Without significant, meaningful investment in Pre-K through higher education, we jeopardize Alaska’s competitiveness in the world.

Please join fellow Alaskans on Monday, March 25th to tell your story at an Alaskan Education Summit.

Date: Monday, March 25th, 2013

Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Where: To testify please go to the Fairbanks LIO at 1292 Sadler Way, 3rd Floor.

If you do not have an LIO in your community please call Rep Harriet Drummond’s office at 907-465-3875, prior to Monday to receive a call in number.

Legislators need to hear your voice on how we strengthen and better our community through education.

Senate Operating Budget Public Testimony Tomorrow and Saturday

The Senate Finance Committee will be hearing public testimony on the FY2014 Operating Budget. This is an opportunity to lend your support to program funding in the budget or encourage the committee to add funding back for deleted programs.

Much of what the House deleted from the budget was aimed at education and behavioral health. I sponsored amendments both in House Finance and on the House Floor to restore funding for some of our needed and proven programs such as pre-k education, workforce development, and behavioral health. While we were not successful, I urge to you put pressure on the Senate to restore the funding.

For Fairbanks Area:

Date: Friday, March 22nd

Time: 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Where: Fairbanks LIO, 1292 Sadler Way, 3rd Floor

For off net areas without LIO’s:

Date: Saturday, March 23rd, 2013

Time: 12:30pm

Where: Before Saturday, contact Senator Kelly’s office at 907-465-3709 to receive a call in number.

Testimony will be limited to 2-3 minutes. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.

Oil Tax Giveaway Passes Senate

Late last night, SB 21 “Oil And Gas Production Tax” passed the Senate. The night was full of disappointment and pleadings by my fellow colleagues to slow down and think about what will happen if we don’t see an increase in production. An amendment passed that increased the government take to 35% at the low oil prices, which secured the 11th needed vote to pass the bill.

Our Senator, Lyman Hoffman, on the final vote said it best.

“I’d have to say this is the most important vote I’ll be taking in my political career. Having heard the debate, the stakes are too high for us to go all in without some assurances that we are going to be able to provide the services and protect the dividend that people deserve.”

“I won’t be able to look them (grandchildren) in the face and tell them that’s what I have accomplished if I’m a ‘yes’ vote, There is no way I would be able to do that, and that is why I am a ‘no’ vote.”

-Senator Lyman Hoffman, Senate Floor during oil tax debate

As someone who worked on the pipeline, I understand the need for jobs, oil in the pipe and a stable tax system that attracts development. ACES has flaws and I want to work to fix those flaws so that we can bring back jobs and cash to our treasury. However the lower government take at the high end, the end of credits, the elimination of progressivity, no promises from industry and the complete lack of information provided to the Legislature in the senate bill gives me great concern.

With the majority of our revenue coming from our oil, any changes we make need to be fully vetted and as an owner state, we must feel as if we are getting our fair share. The money we collect from oil taxes pays for schools, roads, police and firefighters, capital projects and services to Alaskans.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.

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