Legislative compromise became more distant this past week, as the Senate gutted much of an oil reform bill our bi-partisan Alaska House Majority Coalition passed to get us towards a balanced budget. The bill sought a fair share for our oil. Now, the current Senate amendments make it an oil industry giveaway.
I’d like a world where people tell the truth during elections. But wishing doesn’t work in this new world where outside corporations and groups are allowed unlimited election $pending. With that money these special interests constantly violate the old adage that you’re entitled to your own opinions, but that you’re not entitled to your own facts.
Oil Wealth Giveaway increases deficit now, undercuts ability to replenish savings later
A small budget is not surprising, but the lost opportunities for Alaskans and inability to replenish state savings accounts due to recent changes to the stateās oil tax will cost Alaska in the future, said House Democratic leadership today in response to Governor Parnellās proposed budget.
Dear Neighbors,
Flip flop. Too much spin makes one nauseous. If you ask the public, in politics it either makes you nauseous, or not care. What’s the saying? You can fool some of the people some of the time, but…..well, someone help me with how that one goes – folksy sayings aren’t my strength.
Late Night meeting increased size of giveaway, repeats past mistakes
JUNEAU ā Just after 2:00 a.m. this morning, the House Resources Committee voted to give away more of Alaskaās oil wealth with no guarantee of new production and to make the state rely on oil company statements instead of actual receipts when auditing deductions for tax breaks. The committee also tried to undo hard-won provisions that allow the oil companies that own the Trans Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) to charge the state and other companies for all of their expenses, not just the āreasonableā expenses allowed under current law.
With the clock ticking down to the final weeks, the legislature has to decide which bills will pass this session and which will wait until January 2014. With the big issues blocking up House Resources, House Finance, and Senate Finance, small legislation is on hold until the log jam breaks.
I want to say thank you to all the people who have called in to testify, written e-mails, POMs, and made phone calls to me and my colleagues. Your voices really do make a difference in bills and budgets.
