NEWS: House Democrats Call on NOAA to Assist With Tsunami Debris

“Tsunami debris threatens Alaskan coastal resources, communities and economies”

JUNEAU – Today, eight members of the Alaska House Democratic Caucus called on the federal government to create an aggressive plan to protect Alaska’s coastline from the threat posed by debris from last year’s tsunami in Japan.

“This debris could cause serious ecological, health and safety concerns for our coastal communities, not to mention significant economic impacts that could ripple throughout the state,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau). “We know it’s coming—the first of it is already here. We need federal resources to get an idea of what we’re up against so we can develop the best way to deal with these waves of debris that could keep coming for months or more.”

Special Session Alert: Public testimony on HB 3001 has been cancelled

Due to the Governor’s announcement tonight that he is withdrawing his oil tax bill, public testimony on HB 3001 set for the morning of Thursday, April 26th, has been cancelled.

Rep. Holmes Newsletter: Opportunity for public input on oil taxes!

Make your voice heard! Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, the House Resources committee will be taking public testimony on the Governor’s oil tax reform bill starting at 9:00 am. If you would like to testify on this important issue, please go to the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 716 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 200. To accommodate everyone, testimony may be limited to 2-3 minutes each. The bill currently being considered by the House is the Governor’s HB 3001. Click here to find additional information about the bill.

As always, please feel free to e-mail or call me in Juneau with your thoughts about oil taxes, or any other issues. I would love to hear from you!

Rep. Lindsey Holmes’ Newsletter: Special Session Update

Special session began last Wednesday. The House and Senate both made quick work of passing HB 359, addressing the problem of sex trafficking. It is on its way to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Both the House and Senate Resources committees began hearings last week on the Governor’s new oil tax bill, HB 3001. Based on the testimony of the Department of Revenue and experts working for the Legislature, the Governor’s new oil tax bill looks remarkably similar to his HB 110 from last year. The total estimated cost to the state is almost as much as in the old bill, and the biggest tax break in the new bill would not require any new industry investment or production. Despite hours of hearings in both the House and the Senate (including an all day Saturday hearing), there are still many unanswered questions about the bill.

Rep. Lindsey Holmes’ Newsletter: One Session Ends, Another Begins

Regular Session Ends on Day 90

The regular session wrapped up late Sunday night in a flurry of activity. Among the highlights are:

• A one-time increase in K-12 education funding to keep up with inflation. This also includes funding for Parents as Teachers, which encourages parents to get involved in their children’s education early on.

Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better

Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.

NEWS: House Democrats Mourn the Loss of Representative Carl Gatto

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the passing of Representative Carl Gatto:

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Representative Carl Gatto. Carl’s friendship went beyond politics. He was an intelligent man who loved doing the people’s work in the Legislature. He never let passions over an issue interfere with his genuine respect for and kindness to his colleagues, constituents and anyone he came in contact with. We will miss his smile, kindness and humor, and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, his family and all who are mourning his loss today.”

NEWS: Legislature Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Enforce Consumer Protections

“Alaska should not have its hands tied waiting for the federal government to protect our citizens”

This morning, the Alaska State Senate passed HB 274, a bill by Rep. Lindsey Holmes to bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

Currently, a loophole in state law prevents the state from enforcing Alaska’s Consumer Protection laws in cases where federal and state responsibility overlap.

NEWS: House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska’s Housing Economy

REPRESENTATIVE LINDSEY HOLMES (907) 465-4919 www.replindseyholmes.com rep.lindsey.holmes@legis.state.ak.us CONTACT: James Waldo Legislative Aide   April 11, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Bolster Alaska's Housing Economy "We need to take charge to guarantee Alaska's housing market stays strong"   This morning, the Alaska State House passed HB 269, a bill by [...]

House Democrats Optimistic About Big Gasline Announcement

“It’s very encouraging to see new focus on the line that gets the most for Alaska”

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to the announcement about a large-scale gas pipeline from the North Slope:

“It is very encouraging to see new focus on a big gas pipeline from the North Slope and the potential for an All-Alaska line. A big export line gets the most for Alaska – new incentives to develop on the North Slope, the cheapest gas for Alaskans, and the best opportunity to create opportunities for generations of Alaskans. We look forward to working with industry, the governor and other members of the Legislature to make this long-time Alaska dream a reality.”