House Budget Debate on Need to Fix Foster Youth Harm and Neglect
LINK to http://www.ktva.com/alaska-house-advances-operating-budget-with-broad-cuts-396/
Read More →NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Unites in Opposition to Operating Budget that Harms Kids, Seniors and the Neediest of Alaskans
Juneau – The Alaska House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Thursday night without the support of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition. All 13 members voted no because the budget harms seniors and children while protecting corporate interests and unaffordable projects. The Republican budget includes the total elimination of pre-k programs and a significant $32 million cut in funding for K-12 public education. Overall, the budget deficit still remains $3.5 billion. The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition proposed millions of dollars in spending cuts while supporting efforts to protect education, seniors and kids.
Read More →NEWS: Rep. Gara Bill Targets a Major Oil Company Subsidy to Generate Budget Savings
Juneau – Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) intends to file legislation this week to stop a large oil company subsidy that increases the budget deficit. The bill has been filed with the House Clerk and will be officially introduced on Wednesday.
Read More →From Rep. Gara: Facts on Education and Three More Years of Education Cuts
ANCHORAGE - Today Rep. Les Gara (D-Anch), a lead sponsor of legislation to start reversing the last three years of over 600 layoffs to teachers and educators across the state, called the “three-year” education bill that passed “two, and likely three more years of layoffs on top of the more than 600 teachers staff Parnell and the GOP have cut since 2011.” Since 2011 Alaska schools have lost over 600 teachers and staff due to flat funding.
Read More →Rep. Gara Public Records Request On Why SB21 Was Pitched Without Mentioning It Would Lead To Decline To 286,000 Barrels Per Day By 2024
Links to the Feb. 11th, 2014 FOIA Request and it’s attachments from the office of Rep. Les Gara
Read More →ACTION ALERT: Public Testimony On Oil Tax Bill In Senate Tonight/Wednesday (and our Fishing Stream Access Bill Passed Yesterday!)
The Bi-Partisan Senate Majority has written an alternative tax bill to the Governor’s proposal, and is taking public testimony tonight and Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. To testify, you have to go to your local Legislative Information Office (716 W 4th Ave in Anchorage).
My Concerns; Senate Solutions: I have written extensively about my concerns on the Governor’s bill, which allows companies to reduce the share they pay Alaskans in oil taxes by $1.8 billion/yr. That bill specifically allows them to take that money to spend outside Alaska. A newsletter and PowerPoint I presented on these issues are linked here if you’d like more information.
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