DECEMBER 18, 2015  

Can I Buy You Breakfast? Let’s Talk About the Budget.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Rep. Tarr was the guest Elder at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School

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.

To address the deficit, Governor Walker proposes several taxes and more cuts. I'd like to hear your reaction. On Tuesday, December 22 and again on Tuesday, December 29th I will be Yes Bistro between 7:00 - 9:00 am so I can hear from you.

The Governor proposed to restructure the permanent fund, which would reduce dividends by about half based on this year's dividend, implement a 6% statewide income tax and increase taxes in a number of areas, including alcohol, tobacco, mining, fisheries, and motor fuel. Some hit individual Alaskans and some are more targeted to an industry. Additionally, he proposed to cut about a $100 million from the state budget.

Governor Bill Walker maintains that if we do not do anything now we will quickly use up our savings and in five years permanent fund dividends will need to be completely eliminated.

I want to meet with you and find out what you think about the Governor’s budget proposal before the upcoming legislative session. Please join me for breakfast and give feedback on the budget.

Here’s a link to more information on the Governor’s budget.

Preparation for the Legislative Session

As the legislative session draws near I have been meeting with constituents, non-profit and business leaders, legislators and members of the Walker administration. If you'd like to meet before I leave for Juneau in mid-January please call the office at 269-0144 and we'll get something set up!

I welcome input and suggestions on legislation. And, I really want to keep in touch about the budget.

The Holiday Season

 Rep. Tarr at the BPW Children's Christmas Party

Scenes from Tyson Elementary Winter Assembly where the students sang their hearts out! It was awesome!! 

Sincerely,

Representative Geran Tarr