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 →Note from Rep. Gara: ALERT: Extended Evening Budget Testimony By Phone
I didn’t mean to scare you with an “alert”. All is fine. Sort of. We have worked with Finance Committee Chairs to make it easier for you to testify on the budget. Here are a few budget facts for your consideration:
Read More →Note from Rep. Gara: Medicaid Expansion: Facts & A Capitol Building Lecture Sponsored By An Outside Group That Opposes It.
Last week I wrote on the Walker Administration’s proposal to accept $145 million in Federal Funding for Medicaid Expansion in Alaska this year. That Op-Ed follows and explains how accepting Medicaid Expansion, as many Republican and Democratic Governors have, will save state money, cut our state budget by $6.6 million (in just this coming year), create 4,000 needed jobs, and grant medical care and insurance payment help to thousands of Alaskans.
Read More →Note from Rep. Gara: Saturday & Next Week: We Want You (To Speak Out So We Can Listen)
Saturday is the annual “Anchorage Caucus.” A terrible name (who besides politicians uses the word “caucus?!” Anyway, it’s a listening session by Anchorage area legislators from 1 ’til 3 (and until 5 if there’s more public testimony) at the Anchorage Assembly Chambers at the Loussac Library.
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