OPINION: Alaska can’t afford the oil industry’s sweetheart deal

Rep. David Guttenberg

This coming year Alaska will pay more to oil companies in “tax credits” than we receive in oil production taxes — for the third year in a row. It gets worse. The Department of Revenue forecasts that tax loopholes will provide Alaskans with no oil production tax revenue for the next decade — from any future oil fields, and from any fields that started after 2002. That’s a great deal if you can get it.

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Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: Arctic Summit Week and the Permanent Fund Dividend

Rep. Guttenberg's Legislative Report

Last weekend I traveled home to attend the Arctic Science Summit Week. The annual gathering of international scientists and policymakers from around the globe met with a common goal to advance Arctic research. Through separate but related meetings and events, the Summit provided opportunities for international coordination, collaboration and cooperation in all fields of Arctic science. I had the opportunity to attend these discussions in Fairbanks this year.

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Rep. Guttenberg’s Newsletter: Operating Budget passes through the House

Rep. Guttenberg's Legislative Report

Yesterday the Alaska State Legislature confirmed the appointment of Representative Ivy Spohnholz to fill the late Representative Max Gruenberg’s seat. Governor Walker chose Ms. Spohnholz from three individuals whose names were put forth by the Alaska Democratic Party. The House Democrats then voted unanimously to confirm the Governor’s appointment. Her first day on the job she gaveled in to one of the most important legislatures in the state’s history. With the floor lasting until almost 4am, she joked about getting two days on the job in one day.

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