Representative
Chris Tuck
I’m Here for You
I want to hear from you,
share your thoughts, voice
your opinion. Together we
will make a difference.
March 4, 2015
Make Your Voice Heard on Alaska's Budget
Dear Neighbors,
This week the House Finance Committee will be holding public testimony on the State Operating Budget. Anchorage has its own time slot scheduled for tomorrow. If you would like to share your concerns this will be your chance to be heard.
From left to right: Rep. Chris Tuck gives a legislative update at his constituent meeting last Saturday. Later, attending the Anchorage Caucus meeting at the Loussac Library.
Due to projected annual deficits of $3.5 billion, budget cuts in one form or another will be unavoidable. My priority is to bring the budget under control responsibly while protecting the services that are vital to our economy.
I am concerned that the proposed cuts in areas such as education, senior citizens services, and State Troopers will harm Alaska’s economy and threaten our most vulnerable citizens. If necessary, I would like to see deeper cuts made in other areas so we can protect our top priorities.
Some of the proposed budget cuts:
- Public education cut by 19.8 percent
- Eliminating most Alaska State Trooper highway patrols
- Highway and public facility maintenance cut by $14.5 million
- Low income Senior Benefits cut by 20 percent
- Public broadcasting by 50 percent
- Alaska Legal Services (providing legal help to low-income Alaskans) cut by 34 percent
- Retail food inspections cut by 20 percent
- Eliminating the Pre-Kindergarten pilot program
I look forward to hearing your ideas on the budget and I hope you will be able to testify tomorrow or send me your thoughts.
How to testify:
When: Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 1:00-4:30 pm
Where: Anchorage Legislative Information Office (716 W. 4th Ave., Suite 100)
Additional testimony opportunity added:
After the Independent Democratic Coalition expressed concerns that many Alaskans would be unable to testify during the scheduled times due to work obligations, I am pleased to report that the Committee Chair will be providing additional opportunities to testify by telephone in the evening hours:
How to testify telephonically:
When: Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Contact: 844-586-9085
I’m here for you, so please keep in touch on matters important to you and your family!
Warm regards,
![[signed] Chris Tuck](../../images/signatures/46.gif)
Chris Tuck
Alaska State Representative
District 23 - Anchorage
Tuck’s Tips:
Apply on-line for your 2015 Permanent Fund Dividend - Deadline is March 31
If you haven’t done so yet, please don’t forget to apply for your 2015 Permanent Fund Dividend.
You can apply online at http://pfd.alaska.gov/ or call the Permanent Fund Dividend office at 269-0370 to find your nearest location to fill out the application out by hand.
The deadline is March 31 of the year for which you are applying. There are some exceptions to the deadline. If you are disabled, filing for a person who died during the application period, or a military member who was receiving hostile fire or imminent danger pay during the application period, go to the following link to get more information about these exceptions: