Note from Rep. Gara: Education Pressure Working? Silenced Experts & Not All Gas Pipelines Are the Same

Dear Neighbors,

Earlier this week I woke up to killer whales in the Gastineau Channel. At first I thought that could be a bad omen. Then I thought, “I could use some cereal.” That’s just how you have to roll in this job. You do what you can, work harder than you want to give yourself the best chance to make a difference, look at the killer whales, forget them and move on.

Note from Rep. Gara: Action Alert on School Cuts; Our Housing Bill Passes House; Bad Oil News

Dear Neighbors,

You ever have a disaster that could have hurt you, and you survived? Got stuck in mud while fishing and didn’t drown? Almost got hit by a car? Well, that’s what this week was like. In a partisan session, where one party controls the House, Senate and Governor’s Office, we have a system that breeds partisanship instead of one that moves the state forward. That never works well, whichever party is in charge. So, it’s a good week when I can share good and bad news with you. That’s what kind of session this is.

NEWS: Gara Calls on Governor to Stop Silencing World Renowned Oil Tax Experts

Consultants are respected, know Alaska, and should be accessible to Legislators

Today Rep. Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the Governor to allow world class oil policy experts, who the Administration has on contract but has so far prevented from speaking, to consult with legislators, provide analysis, and provide their views on an oil tax policy that will work. See pages 6 and the Amendment page in the attached contract. The two experts, Rich Ruggiero and Bob George, consulted on ACES and have ideas on improving that law. They have been hired by the Governor but cannot without the Governor’s consent, speak to legislators or the public.

Rep. Gara Statement on Bi-Partisan Housing Quality, Access Bill

Jointly Written Costello and Gara Bill Makes Communities and AHFC Housing More Vibrant, More Available

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) issued the following statement on a bill sponsor Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) and he as a co-sponsor wrote and worked on together. The Bill, HB 50, passed the House today. A description of the bill is more fully detailed in a press release sent out by the House Republican Press Office today.

Note from Rep. Gara: Supporters Admit Oil Giveaway a “Crapshoot”; No New Production Promised From Oil Companies

A billion dollars here. A billion dollars there. Whatever.

Is that a way to craft an oil bill for this state’s future? This week one of the architects of the Senate’s oil tax bill similar to the Governor’s version followed oil company testimony stating they wouldn’t guarantee new production if the bill passed – and you just can’t make this stuff up – by saying “It’s kind of a crapshoot”. Juneau Empire, March 17, 2013.

NEWS: Democratic Amendments: Invest in Education Now, Proven Payoff Later

Even with amendments, total budget would still be less than governor’s

JUNEAU – Today on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives, Democratic legislators offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to save Alaska money by investing wisely in its human resources today. If each amendment passed, the total budget would still be smaller than that proposed by the governor.

Note from Rep. Gara: Education and Job Training Suffer; Hand to Those with Disabilities Becomes Colder: Budget Cuts in Wrong Places

Dear Neighbors,

Well, we’re on an uncomfortable downwards slide as the legislature builds a budget in the shadow of the Governor’s $1 - $2 billion oil giveaway.

As you heard, there are, in my mind, much more effective, less damaging ways to amend our oil tax rules. See my recent op-ed.

NEWS: Parnell Withholding Important Oil Tax Information, Gara Calls for Public Release

JUNEAU - Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor to release information he has withheld regarding the governor’s oil tax legislation. Two weeks ago Rep. Gara filed a public records request for important oil tax information so that legislators could receive information needed to decide how to address proposals on the subject. The governor has not yet responded.

NEWS: Democrats Move to Restore Education Opportunities for Alaska Students

Budget amendments would stave off teacher layoffs, pre-K cuts, and University class wait-lists

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget to stave off teacher layoffs, restore preschool funding, and help the University of Alaska meet the demand for its most popular classes.

NEWS: Gara Files Lifetime Fishing and Hunting License Bill

Promotes Outdoor Recreation At Lower Cost to Alaskans

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) filed legislation to promote Alaska hunting and fishing by allowing lifetime licenses for Alaskans.