The end is near for the 2015 Legislative Session. Per usual, the gridlock starts as legislators scramble to negotiate for priority issues. This year I expect there to be significant stand offs between the House, Senate and governor over education funding, Medicaid expansion and the future of the gas line.
Read More →
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Less than a month remains in the regular Legislative session. About this time of year, I start to miss home and all the signs of spring that start to pop up in the Interior
Read More →Juneau – The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition support the Medicaid expansion legislation unveiled Tuesday by Governor Bill Walker.
Read More →
In the wee hours this morning, after nine hours of debate and amendments, the House passed the FY 2016 Operating Budget on a vote of 25 to 14. The House version of the budget totals $ 4.1 billion - we are still facing about $ 3 billion in deficit.
Read More →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 →
This week the House Finance Committee will hear operating budget testimony. Now, more than ever, it is important that people speak out. The House Finance budget subcommittees made some drastic cuts, not unexpected given our fiscal climate, but many of the cuts are lopsided. They cut programs that have a proven track record of saving the state money and bringing in federal funds.
Read More →