NEWS: Real-Time Giveaway Counter Posted

Democratic Legislators Post Oil Wealth Giveaway Cost to Alaskans in Real Time

JUNEAU – Today, the House Democratic Caucus published a real-time counter on its website (akdemocrats.org/our-oil-bill/giveaway/) to show Alaskans up-to-the-minute losses from the governor’s oil wealth giveaway, SB21. While the Governor’s giveaway is extremely generous to corporations in London and Houston, the giveaway will adversely impact individual Alaskans.

NEWS: Gara, French Demand End to Partisan Redistricting in Alaska

Two steps: Replace GOP Board with non-partisan expert; develop non-partisan process for 2022

Today Representative Les Gara and Senator Hollis French (both D-Anchorage) called for two steps to stop the abusive practice of partisan redistricting, or “gerrymandering,” and ensure all Alaskans get fair representation in the state legislature. The current partisan-based Redistricting Board is over a year overdue and its inability to draw a fair plan forced Alaskans to vote under an unconstitutional plan in 2012.

NEWS: Rep. Gara: ASD Summer School Closings Could be Prevented

Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) released the following statement in response to the Anchorage School District announcement that it is canceling summer school programs this summer due to budget restrictions.

NEWS: Democrats Comment on Signing of Oil Giveaway

Rep. Kerttula and Rep. Gara comment on the signing of the oil wealth giveaway

Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) and Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) issued the following statements in response to the governor signing Senate Bill 21, the oil wealth giveaway, into law.

NEWS: House Dems Comment on NCLB Waiver

House Democratic Legislators comment on Alaska’s waiver from No Child Left Behind

Today, five Democratic legislators from the Alaska House of Representatives released the following comments on Alaska receiving a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2012, nine House Democratic legislators sponsored a resolution (HJR39) calling on the Parnell administration to apply for these waivers to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure student success and school accountability.

ADVISORY: 1pm Mon- Democratic Legislators Press Availability

JUNEAU – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula announced their caucuses are hosting a press availability on Monday, April 15, 2013 to discuss the 2013 legislative session.

WHAT: House and Senate Democratic Legislators press availability
WHEN: April 15, 2013, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: State Capitol, Butrovich Room 203
TELECONFERENCE: From Juneau: 463-5009 – Outside Juneau: 855-463-5009

NEWS: Dems Stand Against Historic Giveaway of Alaska’s Oil

Massive giveaway with no commitments is based on trust, not facts

JUNEAU – Last night, House Democratic legislators stood up against the governor’s massive giveaway of Alaska’s oil wealth during a debate on the House Floor that lasted well past midnight.

NEWS: Statements on Bi-Partisan Bill Improving Housing Quality, Access

Jointly Written Costello and Gara Bill Makes Communities and AHFC Housing More Vibrant, More Available

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) issued the following statement on a bill sponsor Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) and he as a co-sponsor wrote and worked on together. The Bill, HB 50, passed the Legislature today.

NEWS: Dept. of Revenue Reveals True Losses to Alaskans from Oil Giveaway

Short-term spikes in oil price could be “double-whammy” to Alaskans

JUNEAU – In a letter released yesterday, the Department of Revenue released the first analysis of the potential losses to the state at high oil prices should the current oil tax giveaway proposal become law. At oil prices of $120 annual losses to the state would be around $1.6 billion and over $3 billion at prices over $150 per barrel. With this great a discrepancy between returns from the current system and the latest proposal, even short-term price increases could result in significant unrealized returns for Alaska.

NEWS: Release the Hidden Oil Consultant Reports

Rep. Gara calls on Parnell administration to stop withholding oil information

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on Governor Parnell to release reports on oil taxes done by two internationally recognized oil tax consultants over the last three years before the Legislature votes on current oil tax legislation. Last week, the Department of Revenue stated it would extend the response date to Rep. Gara’s requests from April 10, 2013 to April 24, 2013, ten days after the end of the regular legislative session.