Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Cheers, Beers and Budget
The House of Representatives passed the operating budget late last night after the House Independent Democratic Coalition offered 21 amendments and the Republican leadership rejected all of them. These amendments would have restored early education, prevented teacher layoffs across the state, improved our University of Alaska system, expanded Medicaid, improved public safety and restored promises to our seniors benefit recipients.
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Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: Operating Budget Passes the House, DOT Open House Old Nenana Road
In the wee hours this morning, after nine hours of debate and amendments, the House passed the FY 2016 Operating Budget on a vote of 25 to 14. The House version of the budget totals $ 4.1 billion - we are still facing about $ 3 billion in deficit.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Unites in Opposition to Operating Budget that Harms Kids, Seniors and the Neediest of Alaskans
Juneau – The Alaska House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Thursday night without the support of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition. All 13 members voted no because the budget harms seniors and children while protecting corporate interests and unaffordable projects. The Republican budget includes the total elimination of pre-k programs and a significant $32 million cut in funding for K-12 public education. Overall, the budget deficit still remains $3.5 billion. The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition proposed millions of dollars in spending cuts while supporting efforts to protect education, seniors and kids.
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Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: Fish + Triathalons + We Screwed Up
And we’re back! My staff has to savagely beat me with a wet noodle to properly motivate me to peck out these newsletters. We sure have something to write about this time: fish! Alaska’s favorite political bloodsport. (We’ll get back to regularly scheduled legislative programming soon.)
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Rep. Tuck’s Newsletter: Online Survey Closes Friday Evening
I would like to thank the hundreds of people who have filled out my 2015 Legislative Survey either online or by mail. I will be closing the link at the end of business on Friday so I can tally the results.
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