January 31, 2017

The Coalition working for you

Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Embracing the Obligations and Opportunities

January 31, 2017

We’re into the second full week of the 30th Alaska Legislature and boy have we been busy! Big changes are happening. As you know, we have a $3 billion dollar deficit, but a Governor who is committed to cooperating with the Legislature to find a mutually-beneficial solution. We have numerous public safety issues to tackle, but an Alaska House Majority Coalition comprised of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents led by the first Democratic speaker with Native ancestry, all committed to making our communities safer. We are making progress, and in the words of our 44th President Barack Obama:

Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Survivor Benefits Public Testimony, Pre-K and the Budget

January 31, 2017

I hope the beginning of 2017 is treating you and your family well as the 30th Alaska Legislature moves into its third week of session. My colleagues and I on the House Finance Committee are in full swing as each department provides overviews to the committee and subcommittees on their budget. We are focusing on whether a program in a department meets their mission and will consider elimination, modifications or enhancements to ensure the departments are meeting those missions. The House Majority Coalition does not encourage a cuts-only approach, but we recognize there are efficiencies in the way our government is structured.