February 13, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

Thirty-Sixty!

The session is moving rapidly and our office is working hard to put information and issues out to our constituents back home. Since we are already 30 days through with 60 days remaining, the ideas and issues change daily. Here’s an update of what I’ve been working on.

Companies Produce, Taxes Reduce

This week, fellow House and Senate Democrats and I introduced a bill to encourage new oil production and provide for a fair return on our limited oil. HB 111 gives credits for developing new oil or oil that is difficult to develop. It also states very clearly that Alaskans will benefit from the oil that is given to the oil companies. The only way that oil producers will benefit is by actually producing more oil and putting more oil in the pipeline. The public demands that Alaskans get a guarantee -- before we give massive tax breaks to big oil corporations.

The bill will also continue to encourage new oil companies to build and thrive in Alaska through valuable exploration incentives as they do under our current tax policy. We have seen a record number of new explorers and companies and workers on the slope as a result. Let your legislators know what you think about our bill, which is an alternative to the biggest giveaway proposed yet.

Legislative Pay Raises

In December, the Republican-led, Legislative Council voted to make our $16,000 office allowance accounts part of our salary against the wishes of many members in the Legislature. The office allowance account, by law, is supposed to be used for postage, stationery and other expenses to meet the needs of our constituents. It should never be used to augment our personal pay.

I recently introduced HB97, which would ensure that clear and transparent guidelines for accountability for our office allowance account. My common sense value is that the public should know exactly how and where we spend these public funds. In addition, it will ensure that money that is not spent by the legislator will go back to the state treasury where it belongs. Please contact your legislator and urge them to support a frugal and accountable budget-especially within their own offices.

Tell Me What You Think: Take a Quick Survey Final Request

I would appreciate your feedback by completing this simple survey on a few of the most pressing issues we will undertake this session. This is the final notice before I release some of the results in the next edition of my e-newsletter.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,