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.

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.

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.

House Democrats Optimistic About Big Gasline Announcement

“It’s very encouraging to see new focus on the line that gets the most for Alaska”

JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to the announcement about a large-scale gas pipeline from the North Slope:

“It is very encouraging to see new focus on a big gas pipeline from the North Slope and the potential for an All-Alaska line. A big export line gets the most for Alaska – new incentives to develop on the North Slope, the cheapest gas for Alaskans, and the best opportunity to create opportunities for generations of Alaskans. We look forward to working with industry, the governor and other members of the Legislature to make this long-time Alaska dream a reality.”

Rep. Kerttula’s Juneau Newsletter: Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and on March 16, there was a fantastic lunch in honor of women legislators throughout Alaska’s history. Not only were current women legislators present, but also past women legislators and their families, along with the family members of women legislators who have passed on. It was a memorable and inspiring event. I remembered that when a bill was heard last week that would have severely limited a woman’s right to choice. I felt much more empowered thinking of the strong women who came before me as well as those with whom I serve.

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

Beth Kerttula’s Newsletter: Operating Budget Passes House; Coastal Management Update

In this newsletter, I’ll share updates on the state’s operating budget and the Alaska Coastal Management Program. I’m encouraged by some of the good progress that has been made and look forward to even more progress.

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