FAIRBANKS – The incarcerated members of the Fairbanks Four were released today following acceptance of a plea agreement by a Fairbanks judge. Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) has been following developments in the Fairbanks Four case and is pleased they will be able to join their families for the holidays.
Read More →The LIO and the Interior Delegation invite you to celebrate the Christmas and the holiday season at an open house. Bring your friends, family and questions to legislators and staff before the upcoming session in January. There will be refreshments provided. I hope to see you there.
LIO Holiday Open House : Tuesday, December 15 : 4:00-6:300pm : 1291 Sadler Way, 3rd Floor : (Alaska USA Building near Johansen & Steese)
Read More →ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker unveiled an ambitious budget plan called “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan” that shifts much of the burden of paying for state government from the oil and gas industry onto the backs of hard-working, average Alaskans. The Governor’s proposal includes fundamental changes to how vital state services in Alaska are funded including new or increased taxes on income, fishing, mining, tourism, alcohol, tobacco, and motor fuel. The Governor’s proposal also makes drastic cuts to vital early education opportunities in Alaska and would result in significantly reduced Permanent Fund Dividends. The 13 members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition thank Governor Walker for his leadership and the public process used to come up with the proposed budget plan but will insist that every proposed change be thoroughly vetted by the Alaska Legislature.
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Governor Bill Walker will roll out his fiscal plan and an overview of the FY17 budget on Wednesday morning. This is historically early, but the times require that legislators and the Governor work closely and quickly to resolve these unprecedented challenges. A failure to do something this year could further harm our fragile economy and cause a much longer-lasting recession. Government must learn to live within its means and get to a steady state.
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This moment in Alaska’s history is pivotal in determining what our future as a state will look like. The sudden drop in oil prices and the broken promises of increased oil production in return for excessive tax cuts and credits have resulted in a nearly $3.5 billion budget gap that must be closed. Alaska is required by law to produce a balanced budget. However, a budget is more than just numbers on a page. It should reflect the basic values of the people.
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