In the upcoming session, seeking solutions to Alaska’s fiscal crisis will be my prime focus as I serve you the Legislature. Every decision I face will heavily impact the lives of all our friends and neighbors in Anchorage. In order to provide the best representation possible, it is important that I know how you feel and hear your ideas.
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This morning Governor Walker released the details of his New Sustainable Alaska Plan (NSAP) to the public. This announcement came one day after the publication of the new Revenue Sources Book, which breaks down how much Alaska really made during the previous fiscal year. Alaska finds itself in a fiscal crisis highlighted by multi-billion dollar state deficits. I cannot say that I agree with all of the Governor’s policies at first glance. I believe that to say “yes” or “no” to all or some of the Governor’s proposals at this time would be premature since we haven’t had an opportunity to study the impacts.
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ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
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ANCHORAGE – The U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider legislation Wednesday morning that would provide federal funding for Erin’s Law programs in public schools across the country. Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) helped lead the charge for passage of Erin’s Law in Alaska and wholeheartedly supports the provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015that provides funding for Erin’s Law programs nationwide.
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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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