NEWS: Democrats Move to Improve Small Gasline Proposal

Without fixes, bill could undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans

JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect consumers, resource development incentives, and the state’s interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.

“I am all for getting a gasline to get Alaska’s gas to market and to Alaskans. A small line should be our last option. With alternatives that bring cheaper energy to Alaskans moving forward, it’s premature to rush ahead with a bill that undercuts development and puts the state and consumers at risk.”

Rep. Lindsey Holmes’ Newsletter: Come to our Constituent Pizza Party this Saturday!

For most people this time of year means the beginning glimmers of spring (although the Anchorage weather gods don’t seem to have gotten the memo). For the Legislature it means crunch time. With less than four weeks to go in the legislative session, things are really heating up in the Capitol. The House recently passed the State’s operating budget, the Senate Finance Committee is debating oil taxes, and the House Finance committee is discussing an increase to K-12 education funding as well as a bill to promote a small diameter in-state gas line. These are just a few of the hot issues heading into the end of session.

House Passes Rep. Holmes Bill to Help Alaska Enforce Consumer Protections

“Our State should not have its hands tied waiting for federal enforcement to protect our citizens”

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

Rep. Lindsey Holmes Newsletter: Protecting Alaskan Consumers

This morning, the Alaska State House passed my House Bill 274 which will bolster the state’s ability to stand up for the rights of Alaskan consumers.

According to a recent decision by a federal judge, a provision in Alaska law could prevent the state from enforcing Alaska’s Consumer Protection laws in cases where federal and state enforcement responsibilities overlap. This could block the state from pursuing claims against corporations engaged in illegal business practices.

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. Holmes Newsletter: Fairness for Local Property Tax Payers; Internship Opportunity!

You have probably heard about the recent controversy surrounding property tax exemptions for teachers and employees of religious organizations. Representative Berta Gardner and I feel this situation is unfair to other taxpayers, and have introduced House Bill 305, the Property Tax Fairness Act, to fix it.

In 2006, the Legislature significantly broadened the definition of religious property by including exemptions for the residence of “an educator in a private religious or parochial school.” This legislation also expanded the definition of “minister” and broadened the ordination standard for ministers. It also made these tax exemptions mandatory for all Alaska municipalities.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: And The Award Goes To… Alaska’s Economy!

I returned to Anchorage this past weekend, and boy was it cold! But not as cold as it was in Barrow, the site of the recent Alaskan-filmed movie, Big Miracle – the movie we used to know as Everybody Loves Whales. I was excited to attend the Anchorage premiere of the movie while I was home. Almost every scene featured a local landmark or an Alaskan friend who had been cast in the film. When the credits rolled, the audience erupted in cheers, and we all stayed glued to our seats watching the impressive number of Alaskans and Alaska businesses that took part in the movie. I’m proud of our people and our state, and I’m thrilled that worldwide audiences will get the chance to see both in this film.

Democrats Prioritize Education, Promote Solutions; FOCUS: parent involvement, commitment to districts, lowering cost of college and job training

JUNEAU – The state of Alaska needs to make education more of a priority, House Democrats told reporters at a press conference in the capitol today. House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau), Representative Chris Tuck (Anchorage), Representative Pete Petersen (Anchorage) and Representative Les Gara (Anchorage) outlined their proposals to increase parent involvement in early education, to make sure school districts have the resources they need, and to make college and job training more affordable for Alaskans.

Newsletter from Rep. Holmes: Protecting Consumers, Reversing the Brain Drain and Growing Our Economy

The Legislature is up and running and I wanted to take this opportunity to fill you in on some of the legislation I’m pursuing this session.

One important role I take very seriously is my responsibility to help protect consumers. My House Bill 274 would close a loophole in the state’s consumer protection laws. My bill would allow the state to go after abusive companies who are not being pursued by the federal government.

House Democratic Caucus Announces Social Media Pages

Today, the House Democratic Caucus announced its presence on three major social media websites, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The caucus will post timely news, legislative updates, and other points of interest throughout the legislative session and the rest of the year.

Please find us on the following pages:

Facebook: facebook.com/AKdemocrats
Twitter: @AKHouseDems
YouTube: youtube.com/user/AKHousedemocrats

All content is public and available to use for any non-campaign related purpose.