This week, the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition and the Senate Democratic Caucus decided to follow the example of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention by proposing that all members of the Legislature put aside partisan politics and work together as one caucus of the whole.
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This year will be a busy one for the Alaska Legislature as we tackle a huge budget shortfall, falling oil production and uncertainty. Alaska has had tough times before and we have survived and thrived. We have done so, because we were able to work together, shed our partisan blinders and become a better government. Our state Constitution was ratified by all 55 diverse members of the convention in a time when the sole focus was on how to make the state a better place to live, work and raise a family. Over the next few months, I’m hopeful that working together will make us a stronger Alaska.
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The holiday season is much more than the morning dustings of snow, Christmas lights, scrumptious treats and holiday gatherings. It is a time of hope, joy and giving. Yet, the current state of our state economy and budget contribute to a sense of insecurity and anxiety.
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Governor Bill Walker will roll out his fiscal plan and an overview of the FY17 budget on Wednesday morning. This is historically early, but the times require that legislators and the Governor work closely and quickly to resolve these unprecedented challenges. A failure to do something this year could further harm our fragile economy and cause a much longer-lasting recession. Government must learn to live within its means and get to a steady state.
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After an ‘extra-helping’ of a special session, I’m glad to be back home in Fairbanks, where there is no shortage of things to do. Over the next few weeks,Governor Bill Walker will unveil his budget details, portions of a fiscal plan and set the tone for the next legislative session that begins in January. The Finance Committee, of which I am a member, will be focused on the fiscal gap and a fiscal solution. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary.
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