NEWS: House Democrats Call on NOAA to Assist With Tsunami Debris

“Tsunami debris threatens Alaskan coastal resources, communities and economies”

JUNEAU – Today, eight members of the Alaska House Democratic Caucus called on the federal government to create an aggressive plan to protect Alaska’s coastline from the threat posed by debris from last year’s tsunami in Japan.

“This debris could cause serious ecological, health and safety concerns for our coastal communities, not to mention significant economic impacts that could ripple throughout the state,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau). “We know it’s coming—the first of it is already here. We need federal resources to get an idea of what we’re up against so we can develop the best way to deal with these waves of debris that could keep coming for months or more.”

Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL AIN’T SEEN NOTHIN’ LIKE IT EDITION

Well, That Was Interesting

We watched the death of Sean Parnell’s latest attempt to hand $2 billion a year to his pals at British Petroleum, ConocoPhillips and Exxon this week. Or maybe it was just badly wounded. Various lawyers have said different things about what happened – yeah, I know. But what can you do? They’re lawyers—but the smart bet is that Parnell killed his own bill. After calling us into special session just 10 days ago to get us to pass it.

All I can say is, gloriosky. I’ve been to two goat ropings and a county fair and I’ve never seen anything like this before.

Special Session Alert: Public testimony on HB 3001 has been cancelled

Due to the Governor’s announcement tonight that he is withdrawing his oil tax bill, public testimony on HB 3001 set for the morning of Thursday, April 26th, has been cancelled.

Rep. Doogan in Juneau: Special Stuck in Lodi Again Edition

Well, isn’t that “Special?”

Now playing at your local LIO: The Further Adventures of Sean Parnell, Governor Extraordinaire.

Starring Parnell as, God help us, himself. With special appearances by the Mikes (Chenault and Hawker, that is). Produced by the friendly folks at BP, Conoco and Exxon, and assistant producers AOGA, the Alliance and the “Make Alaska Competitive Coalition.”

Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL HERE WE GO AGAIN EDITION

Just an hour away from a clean getaway

The legislature starts a special session Wednesday, the eighth in the six years I’ve been a part of the circus. There’s a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth about this, especially among the freelance commentators, a surprisingly large number of whom can actually spell simple words. Unfortunately, all they have to offer to the discussion is spleen, and we’ve got plenty of that already.

Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better

Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.

Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL FAREWELL TO A DEAR FRIEND EDITION

Carl Gatto, 1937-2012

In a building full of people known for their superhuman capacities for hot air and occasional hyperventilation, it’s rare that something happens with the power to suck the air out of the building. The passing of a very good friend, Rep. Carl Gatto from Palmer, has done just that.

Carl’s death hit the Legislature very hard this week, and I know it took a heavy toll on me. Carl came to the House of Representatives in 2003, and I joined a few years later. I liked him from the start. There are a lot of reasons for that.

NEWS: House Democrats Mourn the Loss of Representative Carl Gatto

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the passing of Representative Carl Gatto:

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Representative Carl Gatto. Carl’s friendship went beyond politics. He was an intelligent man who loved doing the people’s work in the Legislature. He never let passions over an issue interfere with his genuine respect for and kindness to his colleagues, constituents and anyone he came in contact with. We will miss his smile, kindness and humor, and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, his family and all who are mourning his loss today.”

Rep. Doogan in Juneau: SPECIAL I’M THINKING ABOUT MAKING A RUN FOR IT EDITION

Four bills Nine Days = Chaos

Nine days from the scheduled end of the session and we’re sending House bills to the Senate. Not to be too inside about it, but that means one of two things: 1) those bills are D-E-D dead; 2) we are going to be here longer than 90 days.

All the talk here is about option #2. Here’s why.

There are four important bills left: the operating budget, the capital budget, the bill to greatly expand the power of a new agency to build an in-state gas pipeline (HB 9) and the bill to hand more money to the oil industry (SB 192).

House Democrats Optimistic About Big Gasline Announcement

“It’s very encouraging to see new focus on the line that gets the most for Alaska”

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to the announcement about a large-scale gas pipeline from the North Slope:

“It is very encouraging to see new focus on a big gas pipeline from the North Slope and the potential for an All-Alaska line. A big export line gets the most for Alaska – new incentives to develop on the North Slope, the cheapest gas for Alaskans, and the best opportunity to create opportunities for generations of Alaskans. We look forward to working with industry, the governor and other members of the Legislature to make this long-time Alaska dream a reality.”