KEEPING IN TOUCH
Phone: (907) 465-3892
Toll-Free: (866) 465-3892
Address:
State Capitol
, Room
418,
Juneau, AK 99801
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An Honest Note from Juneau
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It’s been rainy here in Juneau as we've entered into a second special session – perfect weather for reflecting on the past 155 days. This is a longer note than usual, but please allow me to share my honest thoughts:
As a first time legislator, I’ve seen a lot. I’ve learned a lot of things I respect about the process, as well as things I’ve found that are everything the public thinks them to be – messy, confusing and lacking in transparency. There have been some tough times, especially recently, feeling that pragmatism and compromise aren’t always qualities valued in the world of politics. I’ll be blunt– in some ways, this session has been defeating thus far. However, both a sense of duty and eternal optimism cause me to believe that as Alaskans who care immensely about our home, we can still find a solution.
As you know, there’s been a lot of finger-pointing in the news, in every direction. That’s not why I came to Juneau, and knowing how unhelpful that can be, I’m not going to participate in that. However, what I can tell you is this – as of last week, leadership negotiations were moving slow, compromise from both bodies hadn’t been achieved, and the Legislature still needed to pass a budget with one day left in the first special session.
It’s no secret that budget negotiations between House and Senate leadership had hit a brick wall over the past few weeks. Both bodies have fiscal plans they feel passionate about and are willing to fight for. And while I too believe in our initial fiscal plan, I have been public about my support for the proposed budget compromise by Governor Walker. When the Governor’s proposal came out last week, I really felt that with some tweaks, it was something we could come to the table on as a reasonable solution for Alaska.
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Now, in the midst of yet another special session (trust me, I can’t believe it either), I still believe the Governor’s compromise could be the starting point from which the Senate and House could come together.
We must be reasonable. We must be realistic. I’m still hopeful for a compromise and the start of a responsible, sustainable fiscal plan. I stand firm that a government shutdown is simply unacceptable and irresponsible.
So, within my own power, as one of 60 legislators, I will continue to push for a plan that seeks a middle ground. In every room I am in, in every conversation I am a part of, I will continue to urge compromise and reasonableness in the Legislature.
I hope we agree there needs to be a real conversation, not a “take it or leave it” attitude. I know that the entire state is looking to Juneau for a voice of reason, a voice of diplomacy.
I’m still the optimist - I believe in a sustainable fiscal plan for Alaska and I am confident we will find a compromise that works for all Alaskans.
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Summer Fun for the Whole Family
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We all know the importance of making our summer days count, and luckily there’s always a lot to do! Click below for a small collection of the fun events going on around our community this summer. I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy them.
Wishing you and your family a safe and happy summer of 2017!
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More than ever, it is important that we continue to have conversations. So as always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, concerns and ideas at (907) 465-3892 or Rep.Jason.Grenn@akleg.gov.
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Representative Jason Grenn
House District 22
Sand Lake, Jewel Lake, West Dimond & Kincaid
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Office of Representative Jason Grenn
1500 W. Benson Blvd., Rm 418
Anchorage, AK 99503
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