KEEPING IN TOUCH
Phone: (907) 465-3892
Toll-Free: (866) 465-3892
Address:
State Capitol
, Room
418,
Juneau, AK 99801
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CLICK HERE FOR SUMMER FUN:
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The FY18 Operating Budget
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As you likely know, the House passed the FY18 budget late last week. The highlights included fully-funding education, just $8-million in cuts to University of Alaska, restoring Pre-K funding and a larger PFD than the Senate proposed, while still cutting the budget by close to $100 million from last year. These and other compromises happened to avert shutdown of our state government. (Click the ADN article below for a useful budget breakdown).
While I am relieved my colleagues came together to pass a responsible budget and avoid the simply unacceptable shutdown of state government, let's be clear:
This is NOT a fiscal plan.
The proposed deep cuts to vital services will repeat each and every year until we can pass a fair, long-term plan to eliminate our $2.5-$3 billion deficit.
A cuts-only “fiscal plan” is not a plan at all: our state’s short-term and long-term success is at risk. Legislators continue to hear about devastating impacts to public safety, ability to open small businesses, construction jobs that put Alaskans to work, education and far more. It’s clear that continued cuts are hurting Alaskans.
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A comprehensive fiscal plan this year means we can have a responsible, sustainable budget next year that doesn’t drain our important savings accounts in an irresponsible way. Sustainable revenue – not just relying on savings – means we can bring more business to the private sector throughout Alaska.
Standard & Poor’s released a report last week highlighting how diversifying revenue and passing SB 26 (Permanent Fund restructuring) could improve the economy and private sector investment. If the state’s credit rating is downgraded (again) due to the lack of a long term fiscal plan, more businesses will be driven out of the state. Fiscal stability is already long overdue and we cannot afford to wait any longer. I’m hopeful that we can complete some of these actions before we head into the next regular session in January.
As the second special session continues (HB111 – Oil and Gas Tax reform - has been put on the Governor’s proclamation), I encourage you reach out to me, other Representatives, Senators and Governor Bill Walker about your thoughts. You elected me to represent you and a huge part of my job is keeping you updated and aware of the issues and getting your input. Please continue to be in touch with E-mail ([email protected]), phone (907-269-0234), Facebook (/RepJasonGrenn), and Twitter (@RepJasonGrenn).
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Celebrating this Independence Day
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Anchorage’s Delaney Park Strip is host to the annual Anchorage July 4th Celebration, complete with pancake breakfast, a parade, music, games, reading of the Declaration of Independence, vendors, food and fireworks.
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All are invited to join this free, family friendly event!
WHAT: Anchorage July 4th Celebration
WHEN: Tuesday, July 4th, 8am – 6pm
WHERE: Delaney Park Strip (click below for a larger map view)
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For more information about this year's event, click HERE.
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Hunting & Fishing this Season
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Fishing is heating up and hunting season just around the corner! To help you take full advantage of Alaska’s great outdoors, here is a collection of resources, including helpful hotlines, hunter education and access to updated regulations.
Wishing you and yours a productive and safe season!
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As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, concerns and ideas at (907) 465-3892 or [email protected].
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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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