We pushed the governor and House to provide way more for Alaska's schools than they wanted to, but they refused to keep up with inflation. So here we are again, watching schools being forced to make cuts when they should be able to focus on building on their successes. Alaska's students, and our economy, need a stronger commitment to education. After all, we're counting on them for Alaska's future.
http://www.adn.com/2012/05/15/2466416/school-district-delivers-layoff.html

Cook Inlet lease sale today looks promising for getting close, reliable energy for Alaskans
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/betting-alaskas-cook-inlet-oil-and-gas-plays-continues-wednesday

Betting on Alaska's Cook Inlet oil and gas plays continues Wednesday

www.alaskadispatch.com

Some have long speculated Cook Inlet has the potential to be a sleeper hit, a place long overlooked in the rush to tap the oil on Alaska's North Slope.

In all, the budgets for this year are good for Alaska, but it is short-sighted of the governor to cut preschool and substance abuse treatment money. Unfortunately, the statistics show we need to do better at both preparing our kids and protecting our citizens. Preschool is proven to get results later in life, and reducing substance abuse in Alaska will reduce domestic violence and help in many other ways. We will continue to lead on these issues despite the governor's reluctance.

It's official: As of today there is no question that it is illegal to text behind the wheel. Let's hope this bipartisan effort led by Rep. Les Gara leads to safer travels for Alaskans.
http://akdemocrats.org/?p=2577

| Alaska State Legislature House Democratic Caucus |NEWS: It’s Official: Texting Whi

akdemocrats.org

REPRESENTATIVE LES GARA(907) 269-0106www.replesgara.comrep.les.gara@legis.state.ak.us CONTACT: Rose Foley Legislative Aide

Today, we honor those law enforcement officers who gave their lives protecting Alaskans. Thank you to all the Alaskan police, troopers, VPSOs and other public safety officers for your service, dedication and sacrifice.

http://www.adn.com/2012/05/11/2460878/alaska-communities-hold-police.html

Debris from the tsunami is already washing up on Alaska shores. We need all hands on deck to assess the situation and create and implement an aggressive plan to minimize its impacts on Alaskans.
http://akdemocrats.org/?p=2575

| Alaska State Legislature House Democratic Caucus |NEWS: House Democrats Call on NO

akdemocrats.org

ALASKA HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS(907) 465-3842 Room 404WWW.AKDEMOCRATS.ORG CONTACT: Mark Gnadt (907) 465-3842

Lowering the cost of education and job training for folks who put their news skills to work in Alaska is good for the students and good for our state. Student loan rates shouldn't be double used car loan rates.
http://juneauempire.com/local/2012-05-10/federal-student-loan-battles-follow-state-battles#.T6wSGetYusg

Just sent a letter to NOAA asking for help assessing the potential impacts to Alaska of tsunami debris from Japan. It's coming, but how much? We'll need a coordinated plan to prevent the health, safety and economic consequences, especially if it's as big of a problem as some think it may be.
http://homertribune.com/2012/05/tsunami-debris-reaches-montague/

Tsunami debris reaches Montague | Homer Tribune

homertribune.com

Homer Alaska's only locally-owned newspaper, Alaska's Best Weekly 2008 & 2009

The governor proposed cuts to education. House republicans wanted some one-time funding...maybe. We worked hard to get them both to move this far. Still more work in 2013 to get Alaska schools the resources they need, but this will help them for now.
http://www.adn.com/2012/05/02/2448810/parnell-plans-to-sign-additional.html

House majority finally gave up on its overreaching gasline bill and all it's superpowers. Maybe next time it will listen to critique and work toward a reasonable compromise so things can move forward. Gas for Alaskans is important, but it's too big of a deal to give away so much authority to one unaccountable agency.

So the House Majority has a chance to do the right thing tomorrow, either gavel out for the year or introduce a gasline bill that gets the job done without creating an unregulated state agency with way too many superpowers. That can only end in very expensive gas for Alaskans, a ton of debt for Alaska...or both.

With no facts and no justification from the administration on oil taxes, there's no need to keep considering a giveaway.

Crazy: A Rep. Chris Tuck imposter is going around South Anchorage spreading mis-information about a proposed road project. The authorities are aware. Rep. Tuck says "This needs to stop."
http://akdemocrats.org/?p=2562

| Alaska State Legislature House Democratic Caucus |NEWS: Rep. Tuck to Impersonators

akdemocrats.org

REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS TUCK(907) 465-2095 (866) 465-2095www.repchristuck.comrep.chris.tuck@legis.state.ak.us CONTACT: George Ascott Legislative Aide

House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula Responds to Governor Pulling the Plug on His Oil Tax Giveaway:

“This is a good day for Alaska. I'm glad the governor just pulled the plug on his bad bill. The writing was on the wall when the governor introduced a bill that was nearly identical to his last giveaway. The facts have never supported giving away more of Alaska’s share, especially for nothing in return. I'm very proud of the House Democrats, and everyone else who worked against his oil tax giveaway.”

http://akdemocrats.org/?p=2559

| Alaska State Legislature House Democratic Caucus |House Democratic Leader Responds

akdemocrats.org

REPRESENTATIVE BETH KERTTULA(907) 465-4766 (877) 465-4766www.repbethkerttula.comrep.beth.kerttula@legis.state.ak.us CONTACT: Mark Gnadt (907) 465-3842

Governor pulls the plug on his oil tax giveaway! Thanks to all those who helped us stand up against this baseless giveaway!

Alaska House Democratic Caucus added 4 new photos to the album House Resources Committee 4/24/12.

House Resources Committee 4/24/12

Alaska House Democratic Caucus added 3 new photos to the album House Resources 4/20/12.

House Resources 4/20/12

The Parnell administration calls its new oil tax bill a combination of prior proposals, but it appears to have left out the most important piece: requiring Alaska get something in return for the billions it proposes to give away.