Democrats Work to End Unlimited Campaign Spending
Legislation would make Alaska a leader in national effort to rein in big-money politics
(JUNEAU) – Today, 13 House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at scaling back rules allowing corporations, wealthy donors, and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money, sometimes in the millions, to get candidates elected. Companion resolutions (HJR 33 and SJR 13) introduced today in the Alaska House and Senate call for a federal constitutional amendment to reverse the Citizens United case that opened the corporate and union campaign spending floodgates. A separate House bill would return Alaska’s right to limit corporate contributions by making corporations not considered “persons” for purposes of Alaska election law.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Energy, Education and Going RED
The House Resources Committee heard a resolution urging the US Congress to take over Central Park. Many of you may have heard and seen the media attention surrounding HJR 31, a resolution. While I may have found the attempt humorous, most importantly, it’s a huge waste of time and state money.
I spoke up against this kind of satire legislation in the House Resources committee meeting, as the committee awaits 35 bills, some dealing with much-needed relief from the cost of energy that will help Fairbanks families. The message I want to send to the rest of the US is that we are good stewards of our resources, accountable to our constituents, and ready to lead the nation as an energy state.
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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.
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Committee to Hear Democrats’ Bill to Create Non-partisan Primary Election
Bill would give Alaskans freedom to vote for any candidate, regardless of political party
JUNEAU – Today, the House State Affairs Committee is scheduled to hear Democratic legislation (HB 77) to establish a non-partisan primary in Alaska so Alaskans can have the freedom to vote for whomever they want in each election, regardless of their, or the candidate’s, party affiliation. Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), Representative Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage) and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) sponsored the legislation, and Representative Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) is a co-sponsor.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Welcome Back to Juneau!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy New Year to you from my Juneau office! It’s cold here, but nothing compares to the negative degree temperatures in the Interior.
The legislative session kicked off Tuesday, and as usual the halls are filled with legislators and staff from around the state to work for the constituents of the state. Of course, everyone is anticipating a major continued debate about the Governor’s tax break for big oil corporations.
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