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.

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: Rep. Guttenberg Introduces Stampede Recreation Area Legislation

At request of area residents, Recreation Area designation helps continue traditional uses

Today, Alaska State Representative David Guttenberg (D- District 38) introduced legislation (HB148), to create the Stampede Recreation Area in the Denali Borough. A long-time request of area residents, Recreation Area designation will protect and facilitate continued traditional uses of the area.

NEWS: Democrats Introduce Oil Tax Alternative

Reduction for Production: Bill Targets New Oil in the Pipe and Protects Alaska

JUNEAU – House and Senate Democratic legislators introduced legislation today to grant tax concessions to oil producers who put new oil into the pipeline. The bill (SB50, HB 111) targets tax incentives to new fields and to new development in existing fields, and it offers other incentives outside the tax code to spark new development.

NEWS: Rep. Guttenberg Sworn in for 28th Alaska Legislature

JUNEAU - David Guttenberg (D – District 38) was sworn today in to serve his sixth term in the Alaska House of Representatives. Speaker Mike Chenault administered the oath of office during the House’s regular floor session.

NEWS: Democratic Leaders Offer Strong Vision for Alaska

Fair share, education and energy priorities for Democratic Legislators

in State of the State response

JUNEAU – Tonight, Senate Democratic Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) presented a strong vision for Alaska in their response to the governor’s state of the state speech. The two leaders said making a commitment to education, lowering the cost of energy, and standing up for Alaska’s fair return on its resources are the Democratic caucuses’ priorities.

NEWS: House Democrats Announce New Committee Assignments

JUNEAU - Today, House Democratic leadership announced updated committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session. The seats on the Finance and Resources Committees are tentative until a final decision is made once the entire caucus can meet in person. Currently, one member is out of town due to a family medical situation.

NEWS: Rep. David Guttenberg to be sworn in at later date

JUNEAU - Representative David Guttenberg (D- District 38) will be excused from the 28th Alaska State Legislature’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, January 15th. He will remain in Fairbanks to continue to help with his wife Marilyn’s medical care and will be sworn in at the earliest opportunity by Speaker Mike Chenault.

NEWS: Democrats Question New Revenue Projections

Enormous implications mean new assumptions need more scrutiny

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats raised concerns about the methodology and timing of the Parnell Administration’s new revenue projection model and asked Department of Revenue Commissioner Bryan Butcher to release to the public more details about its latest income projections. House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) met with Commissioner Butcher and his staff this week to discuss the new report, but she was not satisfied with the explanations she received.

NEWS: House Democrats Announce Leadership for 28th Alaska Legislature

Leadership team brings experience, new energy

ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska’s House Democratic Caucus announced its leadership for the 28th Alaska Legislature and its commitment to continue to work toward oil taxes that earn a fair return for Alaskans, lowering energy costs across the state, and ensuring Alaskans have access to top-quality education.