NEWS: House Democrats Call on NOAA to Assist With Tsunami Debris

“Tsunami debris threatens Alaskan coastal resources, communities and economies”

JUNEAU – Today, eight members of the Alaska House Democratic Caucus called on the federal government to create an aggressive plan to protect Alaska’s coastline from the threat posed by debris from last year’s tsunami in Japan.

“This debris could cause serious ecological, health and safety concerns for our coastal communities, not to mention significant economic impacts that could ripple throughout the state,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (Juneau). “We know it’s coming—the first of it is already here. We need federal resources to get an idea of what we’re up against so we can develop the best way to deal with these waves of debris that could keep coming for months or more.”

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Special Session Implodes

Governor Pulls Oil Taxes, Senate Adjourns, What Will the House do?

The Third Special Session of the Alaska State Legislature has imploded. In this newsletter, I’ll tell you what happened and what is likely to happen next.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

Special Session Alert: Public testimony on HB 3001 has been cancelled

Due to the Governor’s announcement tonight that he is withdrawing his oil tax bill, public testimony on HB 3001 set for the morning of Thursday, April 26th, has been cancelled.

House Democratic Leader Responds to Governor Pulling the Plug on His Oil Tax Giveaway

JUNEAU – Tonight, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to Governor Parnell’s announcement that he is withdrawing his oil tax legislation.

“This is a good day for Alaska. I’m glad the governor just pulled the plug on his bad bill. The writing was on the wall when the governor introduced a bill that was nearly identical to his last giveaway. The facts have never supported giving away more of Alaska’s share, especially for nothing in return. I’m very proud of the House Democrats, and everyone else who worked against his oil tax giveaway.”

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Session Ends, Special Session Begins

Its official -the second session of the 27th Alaska State Legislature is over. And the third special session has begun (the first two took place last year). After the Legislature gaveled out, the governor issued a special session proclamation in the early hours of Sunday night/Monday morning.

In this newsletter, I’ll provide a wrap up of the big session issues along with an overview of what we can expect from the special session. I’ll also share a list of Juneau capital projects (and a couple of important statewide items). In future newsletters, I’ll keep you up to date on the special session and highlight some of the legislation we saw during the regular session.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better

Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: We’re Almost There

On Tuesday, Representative Carl Gatto of Palmer passed away following a long and brave battle with cancer. On Wednesday, we held a small ceremony on the House Floor, singing Amazing Grace and placing thirty-nine roses on the desk he leaves vacant.

The Legislature must still continue the people’s work. And we have a lot of work left to do before the end of regular session on Sunday night (we’re not sure whether there will be a special session or not). In this newsletter, I’ll talk about the issues that are still on the table for the end of session. I’ll also spotlight a great bill to provide insurance coverage for Autism spectrum disorders.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.

NEWS: House Democrats Mourn the Loss of Representative Carl Gatto

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the passing of Representative Carl Gatto:

“We are truly saddened by the loss of Representative Carl Gatto. Carl’s friendship went beyond politics. He was an intelligent man who loved doing the people’s work in the Legislature. He never let passions over an issue interfere with his genuine respect for and kindness to his colleagues, constituents and anyone he came in contact with. We will miss his smile, kindness and humor, and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, his family and all who are mourning his loss today.”

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Budget, Texting and Girl Scouts

There are nine days left in the 90-day legislative session. In this newsletter, I’ll give you an update on the budget and some information about a great bill banning texting while driving. I’ll also share my thoughts on some unfounded concerns about the Girl Scouts.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by my office, call, write or email.

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Choose Respect and Instate Gasline Passes House

Don’t forget that Permanent Fund Dividend applications are due before midnight tonight! You can apply online at the Permanent Fund Dividend Division website. While you’re there, consider using Pick. Click. Give. to donate to your favorite non-profit organizations.

As we near the last two weeks of session, the Legislature is moving very quickly. This week, my newsletter includes articles on two important issues: domestic violence and sexual assault and gaslines.

Thank you for reading my newsletter. I appreciate hearing from you, so please stop by the office, call, write or email.