Fairbanks – Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) will unveil a proposal to bring high-speed internet to the entire Fairbanks area during a constituent meeting Thursday evening.
Yesterday, the legislature approved a capital budget compromise that ensures Alaska will continue to receive federal funding for road repairs, bridge upgrades, school facilities, and vital infrastructure projects that keep Alaskans working. Passage of the capital budget will allow the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities to move forward on construction projects this summer without delay, remove uncertainty for contractors looking to submit bids, and create better job security in the construction industry.
Juneau – Today, the Alaska Legislature overwhelmingly passed a capital budget for Fiscal Year 2018 that will result in approximately $1.2 billion in federal funds coming to Alaska. The approved capital budget was a negotiated compromise that ensures continued funding for Alaska’s roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure. House Finance Committee Co-chair Rep. Neal Foster (D-Nome) helped negotiate the compromise and worked to ensure passage today.
Juneau – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Congressman Don Young to allow a land exchange as part of the effort to build a road to connect the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay on the Alaska Peninsula. Speaker of the House Rep. Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham) released the following statement upon learning the results of today’s vote.
Dear Friends and Neighbors, I have several pieces of news to report. Let’s begin with the topic at the forefront of everyone’s mind these past few weeks: Budget or Bust
On June 16, the legislature adjourned the first special session without a fiscal plan compromise to address Alaska’s financial challenges. The Governor immediately called another special session. Like many in our community, I am disappointed that the Senate refused to join with the House and agree to a compromise plan that responsibly addresses our financial challenges.
Juneau – Alaska House of Representatives Resources Committee co-Chair Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) released the following statement in response to today’s announcement regarding possible increased oil and gas exploration on Alaska’s North Slope. U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke signed an order calling for an updated resource assessment for the 1002 area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and a revised Integrated Activity Plan for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A)
I do not believe there will be a government shutdown. Making that prediction true requires that 60 legislators act as statesmen and stateswomen, and that they base their votes on facts, not the fiction some politicians use for a good TV soundbite.
