Friends and Neighbors,

Congratulations to the Iditarod mushers who have finished and those still on the trail! Dog mushing is an amazing extreme sport and my hat goes off to all the teams that entered both the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest this year.

Minority Press Conference (left to right): Representative Les Gara (Dist 23), Representative David Guttenberg and Representative Max Gruenberg (Dist 20)

House Finance Hearing Continues on Oil Tax Structure

This week the House Finance Committee has been meeting twice daily dealing with HB 110 the Governors oil tax bill. The committee has heard from the Administration, tax and economic experts and Alyeska CEO Tom Barrett. These meetings will continue through next week.

HB 110 would change many different aspects of the current oil tax structure known as Alaska’s Clear Equitable Share (ACES). The bill changes the progressivity tax rate, tax credits for capital improvements and taxes relating to exploration, development and production.

The fiscal scheme would mean that Alaska would lose 10 Billion dollars in oil revenue over the next 5 years. That’s a big deal. The Governor is proposing that the State drain its rainy day funds to fund programs while waiting for increased oil production. We have heard from state and industry experts that new production will take 11 years to come online. At that rate Alaska could run out of savings before we see any revenue from increased production.

What does stand out is that we are not getting the whole picture. Industry and the Governor have been unable to provide a guarantee of returns and increased Alaska hire. Everyone wants to make sure we increase production and put Alaskan’s to work however, building the state’s infrastructure and educating the next generation of Alaskans requires state revenue. Those revenues must come from somewhere- the oil industry, small business or your pocket.

House Finance will be taking public testimony on this bill March 24th from 5 to 8pm and March 25th from 3 to 7pm. You will need to go to the Fairbanks LIO (1292 Sadler Way). Testimony will be limited to two to three minutes. If you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at 456-8172.

Protecting Our Best Friends

I have co-sponsored legislation with Representative Bob Lynn (Dist. 31) that would increase the penalties for cruelty to animals. In the past Fairbanks has been plagued with accounts of animal cruelty and neglect especially in large dog yards. House Bill 179 makes the failure to care for 5 or more animals in a continuous episode a class C felony.

The Legislature is faced with a wide range of issues every year. I feel that it is important to remember to stand up for those who do not have a voice and that includes our animals.

Senate Finance Operating Budget Testimony

The Senate Finance Committee will hear public testimony for the Fairbanks area on Wednesday, March 23 from 2:15pm to 3:15pm. Speakers will be limited to two minutes of testimony and will specific to the Operating Budget. If you would like to comment, please go to the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office (1292 Sadler Way) on March 23, during Fairbanks’ designated time. For more information please contact the LIO at 452-4448.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.