I recently completed a trip to Texas and I thought I’d share my experiences with you. While a niece’s wedding was the catalyst for the trip, I learned a thing or two about Texas and the trip fed my interest in history along the way.
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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.
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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The first two weeks of interim have come and gone. Here is what I have been up to during that time.
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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.
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Dear House District 17 Constituents!
Many of you received my End-of-Session Newsletter a couple weeks ago.
I wanted to apprise you of the details of the session’s culmination on the evening of Thursday, June 11, 2015, since that printing (above) hit your mailboxes.
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