Note from Rep. Gara: Sarah Redmon: A Profile in Success and a Profile of a BIG Problem in Alaska Fishing Stream Rules
It’s easy to think that the laws we pass don’t make a difference. Well sometimes they do. Or at least help those, as in foster youth Sarah Redmon’s case, who just might have moved any mountain-sized obstacles out of her way on her own.
And – I’ll write a short note about a bill we will hear Monday – that weakens Alaska’s ability to prevent developers from taking huge amounts of water from fishing streams that might damage our prized sport, commercial and subsistence fisheries. Yup. This bill (House Bill 77) violates the “promise” we once heard that Alaska would never trade one resource for another. Well, Alaska will, and our fish are coming out on the short end lately. There’s currently an application to take out eighteen million gallons a day of water from a prized western trout and salmon stream, the Upper Talarik Creek drainage off Lake Iliamna.
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NEWS: Democrats Call on Governor to Not Leave Fish High and Dry
Legislators propose amendment So Needed Water Isn’t Withdrawn From Fishing Streams
Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor to honor his promise not to “trade one resource for another” [Fairbanks Daily News Miner, March 11, 2010]. He called for the governor’s support in ensuring Alaska’s fish-producing streams maintain the water they need to support healthy fish runs.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Gun Bill Might Get You Federal Jail Time? And Saturday Anchorage Public Legislative Testimony
First, who knew so many of you actually read our e-newsletter? Thank you for the response to last week’s poll. You’ve asked that I keep things pretty much the same, and that if the letter is a looooong one, I give you the skinny at the top in case you don’t have time to read all the details and facts. It’s a deal!
And this Saturday you are invited to give testimony to the Legislature on any topic you wish. “Anchorage Caucus” – a fancy term meaning your Anchorage legislators will be in town for you – will be held at the Loussac Library, Assembly Chambers, from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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NEWS: Rep. Gara Calls Out Governor’s Flip Flopping on Oil Taxes
Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor to explain his continuing change in position on Alaska’s oil tax law, known as ACES. In 2010, the governor took a position that was in line with that being pushed by House and Senate Democrats - that reasonable tax cuts should be tied to Alaska production, and breaks should not be given to companies that would spend them outside Alaska in “some other country.”
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Note from Rep. Gara: Oil Production for Tax Reduction; And a Poll: Gulp, Want Shorter Newsletters?
Our Oil Bill: Alaska Production to Earn Tax Reductions
Earlier this month I and others filed legislation we think will work far better than the Governor’s bill. It requires Alaska production for reasonable tax reductions. That contrasts to the Governor’s bill, the major part of which gives away $1 - $2 billion in Alaska revenue allowing companies to spend that money anywhere they want in the world, with no Alaska investment requirements.
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NEWS: UAA Endorses Student Loan Relief Proposal
“Getting students through college on time and with less debt is good for Alaska’s economy”
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) announced that the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) has endorsed a bill (HB17) by House Democratic legislators to lower the cost of student loans for students who put their skills to work in Alaska.
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