NEWS: Holiday Drive: Laptops for Foster Youth
Improving One Life at a Time
(ANCHORAGE) – Today, Representative Les Gara and Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) are launching the Laptops for Foster Youth Holiday Drive.
Read More →
NEWS: No Raises for Governor, Cabinet While Alaska Suffers Budget Cuts
With $2 billion deficit from the governor’s oil giveaway, Alaska cannot afford raises
Today, Representative Les Gara and Representative Scott Kawasaki announced they are filing legislation to prevent recently recommended pay raises for the governor and his top cabinet members from taking effect while Alaskans suffer from cuts to state services and the state is depleting its savings.
Read More →NEWS: It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way
Oil Wealth Giveaway increases deficit now, undercuts ability to replenish savings later
A small budget is not surprising, but the lost opportunities for Alaskans and inability to replenish state savings accounts due to recent changes to the state’s oil tax will cost Alaska in the future, said House Democratic leadership today in response to Governor Parnell’s proposed budget.
Read More →NEWS: Democrats Call on Governor to “Choose Respect,” Support Abused and Foster Children
Upcoming budget should enact State report on preventing child abuse, foster care needs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2013
Today, two Democratic legislators and a former child protection worker called on Governor Parnell to enact recommendations in a child protection report his administration commissioned to identify ways to improve the Office of Children’s Services (OCS).
Read More →NEWS: Gara, Costello, Receive Award for Housing Legislation
Alaska Chapter of the American Planning Association recognizes HB50 for Best Practices
Today, the Alaska Chapter of the American Planning Association honored Representative Les Gara and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation with its Best Practices Award for their work on legislation to promote vibrant neighborhoods and desirable businesses in low and middle income residential developments.
Read More →NEWS: Appeals Court: Old Texting While Driving Law Not Enough
2012 Gara-Thomas legislation prevents Alaska from being one of few states without prohibition
Alaska’s old law prohibiting the use of certain visual display screen devices while driving did not prohibit texting while driving, according to an Alaska Court of Appeals decision issued this week. The decision upholds Kenai Peninsula Magistrate Jennifer K. Wells’ action that called the law into question and inspired Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and former Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines) to pass a law specifically outlawing texting while driving in Alaska.
Read More →