Note from Rep. Gara: Ducking Responsibility: Losing 217 More Education Staff; Police Cuts; and a Volunteer Opportunity

Dear Neighbors,

Sometimes the news reports things as if they just happened out of the blue. With dwindling reporters, it’s hard for the media to connect actions by the Governor and Legislature with what happens months later. Well, let’s talk about that. And let’s talk about that feel-good, but unsustainable spike in drunk driving enforcement you may have read about, and ….opportunities and sobering facts relating to Hunger Action Month.

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NEWS: “New” Oil Regs a Fool’s Errand, Need More Work and Review

Democratic Legislators highlight big risks in draft Oil Wealth Giveaway regulations

JUNEAU – Today, Alaska Democratic Legislators warned of significant risks, impossible expectations, and the potential for industry to game the system in their official comment letter to the Alaska Department of Revenue on its proposed regulations for Senate Bill 21, the governor’s oil wealth giveaway.

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NEWS: Congress’ Student Loan Fix Highlights Need for Alaska Rate Reduction

Today’s federal deal doesn’t lower burden of high-cost Alaska student loans

Today, after Congress passed a compromise plan to address federal student loan rates, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) is encouraged that this could improve the chances of finding a way to reduce the high cost of Alaska student loans and help lower the costs of higher education and job training for Alaskans.

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