Happy Holidays!
I wish each of you a joyous holiday season and a safe and prosperous New Year!
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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Can I Buy You Breakfast? Let’s Talk About the Budget.
On December 9th Governor Bill Walker released his budget. His budget addresses the 3.5 billion dollar deficit the state of Alaska currently faces largely as a result of low oil prices.
Read More →NEWS: Rep. Tarr Supports Landmark Climate Change Deal
ANCHORAGE – On Sunday, a coalition of nearly 200 countries agreed to a historic agreement to address the causes and impacts of global climate change during the United Nations’ Paris Climate Change Conference. The agreement allows countries to create their own plans to reduce CO2 emissions with a stipulation that the emission standards will be jointly updated in 2020.
Read More →NEWS: Massive Scope of Proposed Fiscal Changes Demands Thorough Review of Impacts on Alaskans of All Income Levels
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.
Read More →NEWS: Rep. Tarr Encourages Alaska’s U.S. Senators to Vote Yes on the Federal Version of Erin’s Law
ANCHORAGE – The U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider legislation Wednesday morning that would provide federal funding for Erin’s Law programs in public schools across the country. Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) helped lead the charge for passage of Erin’s Law in Alaska and wholeheartedly supports the provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015that provides funding for Erin’s Law programs nationwide.
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