NEWS: Pot Projected to Raise More Money than Flawed Oil Tax in the Near Future
Juneau – Projections from the Alaska Department of Revenue show that marijuana taxes, alcohol taxes, and hunting and fishing license fees will each raise more revenue than Alaska’s flawed oil production tax in two or three of the next four years. House Finance Committee member Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) says the projections are a clear indication that the Parnell-era oil tax law is broken and must be fixed.
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NEWS: The Late Rep. Max Gruenberg’s Final Bill Passes the Alaska Legislature, With a Little Help From His Friends
Juneau – Today, House Bill 147 passed the Alaska Senate by a unanimous vote. Earlier this month, the bill passed the Alaska House of Representatives, also by a unanimous vote. The bill was the brainchild of the late Rep. Max Gruenberg who passed away suddenly in February at the age of 72 while still in office. Rep. Liz Vazquez (R-Anchorage) sponsored HB 147, which does several things including allowing the well-being of pets to be considered by courts in divorce proceedings. Rep. Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage) was appointed to the District 16 seat held by Rep. Gruenberg and she quickly became a co-sponsor of HB 147.
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NEWS: Alaska House Votes to Oppose the Sale of Frankenfish
Juneau – The Alaska House of Representatives voted unanimously Friday night in favor of House Joint Resolution 28 sponsored by House Resources Committee member Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage). HJR 28 puts the Alaska House on record opposing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of a genetically engineered salmon being sold for human consumption. Additionally, the resolution urges Congress to enact legislation requiring genetically engineered products be labeled.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Oil Tax & Subsidy Bill: Corporate Largesse, Much Fixing To Do. Oh, and One Good Bill For Kids
I’m tired. I’m working hard to smile and not let this thing called politics make me cranky. That’s to say, I hope this E-News update is written in at least marginally decent English. And I apologize I’ve been AWOL on newsletters recently! Here’s some good and bad and hopeful news on two important issues you may want to know about.
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NEWS: House Finance Committee Bypasses Budget Savings and New Revenue by Continuing Unsustainable Subsidies for the Oil and Gas Industry
Juneau – Tonight, the House Finance Committee passed out House Bill 247 sponsored by Alaska Governor Bill Walker. The version of the bill approved by the committee is substantially different than the version of the bill put forward by Governor Walker. The new version of the bill includes less than half of the savings anticipated in the original bill.
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VIDEO: AIDC Press Availability
April 5, 2016 - Participants include AIDC Leader Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), House Finance Committee member Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage), and House Health and Social Services Committee member Rep. Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks)
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