NEWS: House Dems Comment on NCLB Waiver

House Democratic Legislators comment on Alaska’s waiver from No Child Left Behind

Today, five Democratic legislators from the Alaska House of Representatives released the following comments on Alaska receiving a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In 2012, nine House Democratic legislators sponsored a resolution (HJR39) calling on the Parnell administration to apply for these waivers to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure student success and school accountability.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Back to Work in Fairbanks

Dear Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe the first session of the 28th Legislature is already over, having wrapped up on the evening of April 14th. This session was unique – and while there were positive moments of collaboration between legislators, political parties and the public, there were also troubling trends regarding a lack of public participation and due process. Shortened public testimony, rushed bills through committees, and not taking the time to seriously consider some of the most historic issues we as legislators will ever see is a trend that must be reversed.

NEWS: Kawasaki to Present Citation to Honor Senior Citizen’s Recognition Day May 9

Fairbanks – Representative Scott Kawasaki will help celebrate Senior Citizen’s Recognition Day in Fairbanks this Thursday, May 9th.

Today, approximately 85,100 citizens aged 60 and older live in Alaska.

ADVISORY: 1pm Mon- Democratic Legislators Press Availability

JUNEAU – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula announced their caucuses are hosting a press availability on Monday, April 15, 2013 to discuss the 2013 legislative session.

WHAT: House and Senate Democratic Legislators press availability
WHEN: April 15, 2013, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: State Capitol, Butrovich Room 203
TELECONFERENCE: From Juneau: 463-5009 – Outside Juneau: 855-463-5009

House Joint Resolution 17 Sponsor Statement: Permanent Fund Dividend

Link to the House Joint Resolution 17 sponsor statement from the office of Representative Les Gara.

NEWS: Dems Stand Against Historic Giveaway of Alaska’s Oil

Massive giveaway with no commitments is based on trust, not facts

JUNEAU – Last night, House Democratic legislators stood up against the governor’s massive giveaway of Alaska’s oil wealth during a debate on the House Floor that lasted well past midnight.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: BUDGET ALERT! and Oil Tax Breaks

Two days left to go in the first session of the 28th Legislature and we are working into the night on important issues to shape the future of Alaska.

Alaskans have a $16 billion dollar savings account because state leaders ensured throughout history we get a fair share of OUR oil wealth. The UAF Engineering buildings, Cushman Street Expansion, and Ryan Middle School Renovations, and energy relief for the Interior are just a few examples of projects that are possible because of these wise investment decisions. Billions of dollars each year go to enhance communities – 90% of those dollars come from the development of oil. I will continue to fight on your behalf for those dollars to stay here.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Gov’s Giveaway and a Full Plate of Bills

Dear Neighbors,

In the Finance committee, we are in the thick of studying the Governor’s oil tax break. Last week, shortly after 2 am the House Resources committee rushed out SB 21 with even lower taxes proposed for the oil industry than the Senate version. It now gives even more billions of your dollars to oil corporations, still without any guarantee for production.

The last week of session is always an interesting and busy time of year.

NEWS: Giveaway changes: More Money, More Power to Oil Companies

Late Night meeting increased size of giveaway, repeats past mistakes

JUNEAU – Just after 2:00 a.m. this morning, the House Resources Committee voted to give away more of Alaska’s oil wealth with no guarantee of new production and to make the state rely on oil company statements instead of actual receipts when auditing deductions for tax breaks. The committee also tried to undo hard-won provisions that allow the oil companies that own the Trans Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) to charge the state and other companies for all of their expenses, not just the “reasonable” expenses allowed under current law.

NEWS: Democrats Push Permanent Fund Dividend Protection In Light Of Oil Giveaway

JUNEAU – Today eight Democratic legislators filed legislation to protect the Permanent Fund Dividend by placing the current dividend formula in the Alaska Constitution. With GOP leaders pushing an oil giveaway that is likely to cost Alaskans upwards of $1 billion or more a year, future legislators are likely to start cutting the Dividend to fund state revenue. To protect against attempts to spend the Dividend in tight economic times, former Governor Jay Hammond proposed an initiative in 2002 that would have enshrined the Dividend in the Constitution, but Lt. Governor Loren Leman rejected it as not able to be done by initiative.