NEWS: No Progress and No Communication on Linchpin to a Comprehensive Fiscal Plan
Juneau – The members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) have consistently insisted that any plan to address Alaska’s ongoing fiscal crisis be comprehensive in nature and include reform to our flawed oil and gas subsidy system that is costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars. House Bill 247 remains the linchpin to a successful fiscal plan, yet the Conference Committee has not met during the 4th Special Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature. House Resources Committee member Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) represents the AIDC on the Conference Committee and is the only member of the conference committee that originally voted yes on the compromise House bill that passed with bipartisan support.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Budget Compromise Means More Work to Do
This week, the legislature passed a statewide operating budget and a capital budget. Passing this budget compromise means the state has avoided sending lay-off notices to state employees. Although passing the budget is a step in the right direction, the legislature has not adopted a long-term solution to Alaska’s financial challenges. There is more work to be done to implement a responsible action plan for Alaska.
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NEWS: Democrats in Senate and House Call for Veterans Administration to Send Appeal Panel to Alaska
JUNEAU — Today, members of the Alaska Senate Democrats and the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition sent a letter to Laura Eskenazi, the Vice Chairman and Executive in Charge of the Board of Veterans Appeals, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, requesting immediate in-person proceedings in Alaska by the Board of Veterans Appeals.
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Rep. Tuck’s Newsletter: Special Session Budget Compromise Averts Shutdown and Protects Economy
After I led negotiations over the Memorial Day weekend, the Legislature passed a $4.6 billion operating budget on Tuesday. This is a reduction of $500 million from last year. We also passed one of the smallest capital budgets in state history. Nearly $3.2 billion comes from the Constitutional Budget Reserve, the state’s savings account. The session now can be laser-focused on a fiscal plan, before our savings are depleted.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Special Session Budget Compromise
On Tuesday, the Legislature passed a $4.6 billion operating budget, nearly $500 million less than last year and one of the smallest capital budgets in state history. Nearly $3.2 billion comes from the Constitutional Budget Reserve, the state’s savings account. The session now can be laser-focused on the revenue side of the equation, before our savings become depleted.
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