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.”
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Rep. Gara Repeats Call That Port Not Keep Returning For More Public Money
JUNEAU - Today Rep. Les Gara (D-Anch.) repeated his call to the Port of Anchorage that it promise not to come back for more public funds if it gets $350 million from the state. The Port project has been plagued with hundreds of millions of dollars in cost overruns.
“This project started out as a $275 million proposal. Then it was $500 million. Then $700 million. Then the former Port Director said it would be $1 billion more for three needed sections. When does it stop? I’m not comfortable putting unlimited funds into a project until I know it’s been efficiently designed,” said Gara.
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NEWS: Democrats Move to Improve Small Gasline Proposal
Without fixes, bill could undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans
JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect consumers, resource development incentives, and the state’s interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.
“I am all for getting a gasline to get Alaska’s gas to market and to Alaskans. A small line should be our last option. With alternatives that bring cheaper energy to Alaskans moving forward, it’s premature to rush ahead with a bill that undercuts development and puts the state and consumers at risk.”
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Legislative Report Shows School Funding Has Lagged 5% Behind Inflation Since Governor Parnell Took Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2012
This week the House Finance committee will take up whether to increase school funding this year, including House Democratic calls that funding keep up with inflation. “The Governor has given salary and benefit increases to every one of his own agencies for increases in inflation. He should do the same for students,” said Rep. Les Gara (D-Anch.).
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Note from Rep. Les Gara: Now You Don’t See It, Now You Do - Big Knik Bridge $ubsidy
The state’s no longer on the hook to guarantee to cover all financial losses for the private contractor who will build and operate the proposed Knik Arm Bridge. Oh wait. News flash! Yes it will.
Two years ago the promoters of the Knik Arm Bridge promised this billion dollar project would be built, paid for, and operated by a private contractor, which would recoup its costs with tolls. Then the Mayor of Anchorage and Governor changed their minds. Now they want state money to subsidize the private contractor. Then, a funny thing happened on my way to work last Friday. Well, it happened at work.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Taking Your Marbles & Going Home? Tsk Tsk. The Budget & Higher Ed Scholarship Debate
This week we are debating the operating budget. It’s roughly 4% higher than last year, and while I work in a GOP-controlled House, I also believe in trying to find common ground when I can. I don’t believe in the worst we see from Washington, D.C., where many members reflexively oppose measures sponsored by members of the opposite party.
If you want knee jerk politics, there are plenty of people nationally you can idolize. Those people – whether on the state level, or in Congress where folks constantly filibuster to prevent votes and debate, and the ability for compromise, get nothing done. And they harm the constituents they take an oath to represent.
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