ANCHORAGE – A new report from the Alaska Department of Revenue shows a substantial negative effect on the finances of the State of Alaska from large oil and gas tax credits. The report concludes that North Slope oil and gas production tax credits may be an inferior investment for Alaska compared to investing in the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund.
Read More →
REP. GERAN TARR 269-0144 | REP. LES GARA 269-0106 | REP. ANDREW JOSEPHSON 269-0265
ANCHORAGE – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that all fifty states must license and recognize same-sex marriages. In the 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court found that bans against same-sex marriages violate the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution.
ANCHORAGE – A recent report commissioned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority suggests Alaska is at risk of a recession for the fourth time in the state’s history. The report indicates a recession could be prolonged due, in part, to the downturn in oil prices and subsequent decreases in state spending. However, the report outlines options to mitigate a recession including accepting Medicaid expansion, which will be paid for almost entirely by the federal government. House Finance Committee member Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) tried repeatedly this past session to garner legislative approval for Medicaid expansion but the Republican-controlled Majorities refused to allow the issue to be put to a vote.
Read More →ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition compromise with the Majority leadership in the House and Senate today enabled the Alaska Legislature to pass an operating budget for Fiscal Year 2016 that prevents a government shutdown at the end of the month.
Read More →ANCHORAGE – Today, the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition released a memo from the Alaska Department of Revenue showing the Republican-proposed budget spends $600 million more on oil tax credits than provided for under Alaska’s statutory cap on credit payments.
Read More →ANCHORAGE – Today, Governor Walker announced his intention to veto the portions of House Bill 72 that deal with fiscal year 2016. This is due to the fact that the House and Senate Majorities passed a largely unfunded budget, which could result in a shutdown of state government beginning in July.
Read More →