Note from Rep. Gara: Happy New Year & 2014 Legislative Priorities
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
First - a New Year’s wish to you. It’s a little different. You’ve all done something good for someone, maybe lots of things. Maybe more than lots, but I don’t know the word for “more than lots”. Take a moment and think about what you’ve done. Who you’ve helped. How you’ve lent a hand. I think you owe that to yourself.
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Note from Rep. Gara: No Politics, Just A Strong Yank At Your Heartstrings: “Laptops For Foster Youth” Holiday Drive
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We missed our Chanukah Edition. Oy (I’m Jewish and can say that!). But with Christmas approaching, and this being a holiday season for many, I just want to take advantage of your amazing generosity. Again. Because I know you care, and you’ve shown it over and over.
Is the soft sell going OK so far?
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NEWS: Holiday Drive: Laptops for Foster Youth
Improving One Life at a Time
(ANCHORAGE) – Today, Representative Les Gara and Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) are launching the Laptops for Foster Youth Holiday Drive.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Guv’s Budget: No Raise For Kids & A Proposed Governor Pay Raise??
Dear Neighbors,
What’s bad for the goose is bad for the gander. Or better put, you can’t ask for yourself what you don’t give to others.
Yesterday the Governor introduced his budget. Smart cuts and efficiencies are needed in light of the $2 billion drop in Alaska revenue projected for next year. And with the Governor’s new oil tax law – which will guarantee multi-billion dollar deficits long into the future, a budget, even a reduced one, should have a vision.
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NEWS: No Raises for Governor, Cabinet While Alaska Suffers Budget Cuts
With $2 billion deficit from the governor’s oil giveaway, Alaska cannot afford raises
Today, Representative Les Gara and Representative Scott Kawasaki announced they are filing legislation to prevent recently recommended pay raises for the governor and his top cabinet members from taking effect while Alaskans suffer from cuts to state services and the state is depleting its savings.
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NEWS: It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way
Oil Wealth Giveaway increases deficit now, undercuts ability to replenish savings later
A small budget is not surprising, but the lost opportunities for Alaskans and inability to replenish state savings accounts due to recent changes to the state’s oil tax will cost Alaska in the future, said House Democratic leadership today in response to Governor Parnell’s proposed budget.
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