Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Legislature Passes Bill to Speed Up Return of Property Held as Evidence

Friends and Neighbors,

Less than three weeks remain in the 27th Legislative Session and we still have many big issues in front of us. This week the House Finance Committee will focus on education funding and shortfalls. The Senate Finance Committee has been working on the Capital Budget and we hope that bill will be coming over to the House so that we have adequate time to work on our additions.

Rep. David Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Budget, Olnes and Goldstream Lights

Thank you to everyone who testified on the FY 13 Operating budget. The FY13 Operating Budget passed the House last night. Now it will be transferred to the Senate, where the Senate Finance Committee will make their own additions and deletions.

I am sorry to say that the Republican Majority in House Finance has dissolved ANGDA in the operating budget via an amendment.

Democrats Move to Restore Funding for Voter-Created Gasline Authority

Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority still valuable to developing gas resources

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered an amendment to the budget to re-instate funding for the voter-created authority that works on developing projects to market Alaska’s natural gas.

“The voters created ANGDA, and it still plays a valuable role in finding ways to get gas to Alaskans,” said Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks).

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Public Testimony, Operating Budget

We are half way through the 2012 Legislative Session. What happens in the next 45 days is crucial to many Alaskans. In the Interior, we need energy relief, jobs and education funding. I will continue to work on issues important to the Interior.

Public Testimony: Operating Budget

The House Finance Committee will take public testimony this week on the FY13 Operating Budget. The operating budget contains funds for the cost of state government, the University, and programs across Alaska.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Important Testimony Opportunity: Constitutional Amendment on Education Funding

Tomorrow the House Finance Committee will take public testimony on HJR 16 “Constitutional Amendment: Educational Funding”. This resolution would amend the Alaska Constitution to allow state funds to be used for religious or private educational institutions.

Please consider testifying if you support or oppose this idea.

Rep. Guttenberg Introduces Legislation to Help Children Get Health Coverage

”In Alaska no one offers child only plans”

JUNEAU – Today, Representative David Guttenberg (D- Fairbanks) introduced legislation to make sure Alaskans who want to buy health insurance for their children have the opportunity to do so in Alaska. The bill (HB 326) would require insurance companies operating in Alaska to offer child-only health insurance plans. Currently, no health insurance company in the state accepts applications for individual policies for children.

Rep. Guttenbergs Legislative Report: Meeting this Sunday!

Please join Senator Joe Thomas, Representative Bob Miller and me for a constituent meeting. This is a great opportunity to hear about how the session is progressing, bills I am working on and to let me know what you want to see done.

Date: Sunday, February 19th, 2012
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Location: West Valley High School Library,
3800 Geist Road

Democrats Call on Governor to Make Stronger Commitment to Education

Keeping up with inflation allows schools to focus on where to improve, not where to cut

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats called on the governor to join them in an effort to prevent Alaska’s school districts from having to make more cuts in the classroom due to inflation. The legislators sent a letter to the governor earlier today requesting that he be open to meeting school district needs by increasing the per-student allocation enough to cover the costs of inflation.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Upcoming Constituent Meeting

Please join Senator Joe Thomas, Representative Bob Miller and me for a constituent meeting.

Date: Sunday, February 19th, 2012
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Location: West Valley High School Library,
3800 Geist Road

Many issues going on in Juneau directly affect the Interior. As members of the House Democrats, we have stood up against the Governor’s tax giveaway.

Interior Delegation Sends Letter Opposing Potential Alaska Military Base Closures

Today, the Interior Delegation sent a letter to the United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta expressing support for keeping Alaska’s military bases open and fully operational. The letter is in response to Secretary Panetta’s announcement of two more rounds of potential base closures through the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

“The military bases in Interior Alaska are of unique importance to our communities and our nation. It is absolutely imperative they are kept open and maintained at a strong capacity,” said Interior Delegation Chair Representative Bob Miller (D-Fairbanks).