Juneau – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) released an analysis of Alaska’s current oil tax system by the Alaska Department of Revenue’s Tax Division. The analysis shows that Alaskans are being vastly shortchanged by the current oil tax system.
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I am writing this between tears today. Yesterday Alaska lost a statesman. Many of us lost a good friend. I’ve served with Max Gruenberg my whole career in the legislature. I got to know a man who – despite how some in the press who didn’t know Max might describe him (they saw that he fixed a lot of bills with amendments) – was a passionate, funny husband and father who cared deeply about others. He cared deeply about giving people born with little a chance in this world a fair shake. He cared deeply about fairness.
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Today I submitted legislation to close a gaping loophole in Alaska’s corporate tax. My press release on this bill follows.
If we are to close a nearly $4 billion budget gap, the revenue we seek needs to be balanced. It can’t disproportionately hit those who have little when we have tax loopholes that benefit those who have the most.
Juneau — Alaska has a corporate tax, but over 5,000 corporations are exempt under current Alaska law, despite the fact that many of the corporations are highly profitable. Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) filed legislation to close the loophole, which he contends the state can no longer afford due to a nearly $4 billion budget deficit. Rep. Gara believes closing Alaska’s corporate tax loophole should be part of a balanced fiscal plan that is fair for all Alaskans.
Read More →Juneau – Last Friday was the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Constitution. The convention in Fairbanks featured 55 Alaskans, elected from all regions and walks of life. These far-thinking delegates came together as one and crafted a document that has guided not only the state government, but also Alaska’s institutions and people. The constitutional example is being followed today by the Alaska Senate Democrats and the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition as they propose a new structure for the 29th Alaska Legislature.
Read More →JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska State House of Representatives passed legislation that reforms the Alaska National Guard by creating a Code of Military Justice. House Bill 126 provides a framework of processes and consequences for members of the Alaska National Guard who violate military rules and orders.
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