Note from Rep. Gara: 4,000 New Jobs: Medicaid Expansion Can Help Prevent A Recession
I hope you had a great Fourth of July weekend! Now for some sobering news - a big wallop to hit you with after a long weekend. And a solution so you hopefully don’t ever feel that wallop! A recent study says Alaska is either in a recession, or is on the possible brink of one. That’s a big concern. Standing still isn’t the way to address this news. Here’s something we should do to help avoid any protracted recession.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Why This Took Way Too Long! Budget Improved to Give Children, Seniors a Fairer Shake in Life
I’ve been periodically frustrated, and sometimes worse than that as the budget process plodded along too slowly. Passing a budget isn’t rocket science and many Democrats, Republicans and our one Independent legislator could likely have reached compromise in a few days, rather than taking 50 extra days of special session. But some legislators, though good people, were, I’d have to say, less “flexible” than others.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Work Across Party Lines Will Solve Budget Impasse Better Than Barbed Wire
Below, and linked here, is an Op-Ed I ran today in the Alaska Dispatch on the status of Special Session. I’m working hard, and will offer a few words beyond what could fit in that Op-Ed, which I wrote in part to set the record straight on a few statements I’d seen in the paper by legislators who likely wrote in the heat of the moment. That’s understandable.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Thursday Eve, Speak Out On Special Session; Why “Children Will Die” Under This Budget According To Director of Children’s Services
It’s your turn to speak out or just come listen this Thursday, from 5:30-7:30 in Anchorage at 716 W 4th Ave. You deserve to be heard.
I’m not happy the Legislature voted for a continuing recess from work for most legislators during this 30-day Special Session.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Op-Ed: Shiny New Legislative Building No Place To Get People’s Work Done
Below is an Op-Ed I wrote yesterday. It explains why the Legislature’s work isn’t that hard, should be done by now, and why taking a break from work in the Capitol doesn’t move our work forward. Here’s the link. The text is pasted below. As always, call or write if you have any questions!
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Note from Rep. Gara: Wrong To Vote For Time Off & Wrong To Treat Oil Companies Better Than Kids and Seniors
Last week this session should have been over. Instead it continued past its 90-day deadline. Then, during the 30-day Special Session the Governor called to finish the budget, pass Medicaid Expansion and Reform and pass legislation supporting children, the GOP asked for time off. I have no problem supporting a Republican Governor who is doing the right thing, and it’s odd that the division here is between the Governor and legislative leaders in his own party.
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