NEWS: Smaller Permanent Fund Dividend If Budget Spends From Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve
ANCHORAGE - Today Rep. Les Gara released a report from the Legislature’s non-partisan Legal Research Division. It shows that if Legislators were to spend from the Permanent Fund’s Earnings Reserve, that would reduce Permanent Fund Dividend payments received by Alaskans. Some legislators have mentioned this as an option to paying for this coming year’s budget, which is a subject of the current Special Session.
Read More →
Note from Rep. Gara: Thursday Eve, Speak Out On Special Session; Why “Children Will Die” Under This Budget According To Director of Children’s Services
It’s your turn to speak out or just come listen this Thursday, from 5:30-7:30 in Anchorage at 716 W 4th Ave. You deserve to be heard.
I’m not happy the Legislature voted for a continuing recess from work for most legislators during this 30-day Special Session.
Read More →
NEWS: Democrats Call For Return to Work
JUNEAU – The House Democratic Independent Coalition and the Senate Democrats will be holding a press availability at 1pm, TODAY, at the Anchorage LIO to discuss the disappointing lack of progress in the special session and to announce a plan of action for public hearings.
Read More →
Note from Rep. Gara: Op-Ed: Shiny New Legislative Building No Place To Get People’s Work Done
Below is an Op-Ed I wrote yesterday. It explains why the Legislature’s work isn’t that hard, should be done by now, and why taking a break from work in the Capitol doesn’t move our work forward. Here’s the link. The text is pasted below. As always, call or write if you have any questions!
Read More →
Note from Rep. Gara: Wrong To Vote For Time Off & Wrong To Treat Oil Companies Better Than Kids and Seniors
Last week this session should have been over. Instead it continued past its 90-day deadline. Then, during the 30-day Special Session the Governor called to finish the budget, pass Medicaid Expansion and Reform and pass legislation supporting children, the GOP asked for time off. I have no problem supporting a Republican Governor who is doing the right thing, and it’s odd that the division here is between the Governor and legislative leaders in his own party.
Read More →
NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Members Oppose Legislative Break While Vital Legislation Hangs in Limbo
JUNEAU – Today, the Majority organizations in the House and Senate voted to give themselves a vacation by passing House Concurrent Resolution 101. It allows both bodies to recess until May 12. HCR 101 was passed along caucus lines. All thirteen members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition and the five members of the Alaska Senate Democrats opposed the resolution.
Read More →
