KEEPING IN TOUCH
Phone: (907) 465-3892
Toll-Free: (866) 465-3892
Address:
State Capitol
, Room
418,
Juneau, AK 99801
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Thank you to all who joined me this past week for the West Anchorage Town Hall, as well as for coffee at the Jewel Lake Kaladi Brothers.
In times of big decisions, it's so important to talk in-person about what's being considered, how it impacts our community and our visions for Alaska's future. While I am always available via email, phone and social media, there's nothing quite like neighbors meeting and sharing face-to-face.
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So, thank you to those who were able to meet up this time around. For those that couldn't make it, please don't hesitate to contact me directly so we can talk through some of these important issues.
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With about two weeks left in Special Session, pink slips going out and no agreement on a fiscal plan as of yet, things are frustrating to say the least. Trust me, it's not just you feeling this way. While I definitely hoped for a faster outcome my first year in office, I ran to get a fiscal plan in place that would stabilize our economy and knew that was going to mean compromise.
While I am trying to do my part by not taking per diem and encouraging ideas that lead to compromise, I also recognize the extreme importance of protecting essential services such as education and public safety, and addressing our state's fiscal crisis in a comprehensive way (not just kicking the can down the road...again). The only way to prevent this scenario playing out year after year? Get our fiscal house in order once-and-for-all.
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All that said, protecting vital state services remains a core principle of the House Coalition. We understand how disruptive the ongoing budget negotiations are to people’s lives, not just for state employees, but for everyone.
I want to stress that I am committed to passing a budget as soon as possible because a government shutdown is not an acceptable outcome to this legislative session. Compromise is key and I will continue to do what I can within my power to help us get there.
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A hard-copy newsletter should be in the mailboxes of all registered voters in District 22 soon. It outlines some important facts about our budget and why a balanced fiscal plan is worth your consideration. I'm hoping this information sparks some meaningful conversations that will help us get to the heart of how to keep Alaska strong for years to come.
Please keep an eye out for it. Then, give me a call or an email. As always, my door is open for discussion!
Click here for a digital version:
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What's Your Fiscal Plan Look Like?
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What does a comprehensive, stable fiscal plan look like to you?
In January, the Senate Republican Majority polled Alaskans on K12 funding, broad-based taxes and adjusting oil company tax credits, aiming to garner support for their fiscal plan (budget cuts, spending limits, reduced PFD, and use of savings to fill the remaining deficit).
Those results showed Alaskans favor a comprehensive fiscal plan that includes reducing tax credits for the oil and gas industry (65% in favor), a broad-based tax (54% in favor), and current government spending levels with no cuts to education (62% in favor of no cuts).
Now, as the Special Session continues, the House Majority Coalition wants to check in again to see where Alaskans stand. Please take a minute to take/re-take the survey (featuring the same questions) here:
akhouse.org/housesurvey
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This past week, I was invited to join The Midnight Sun for part of their weekly podcast. We chatted about first impressions of being an elected official, what it's like to be an Independent in a largely two-party system, oil tax reform and the impact being a legislator has on my family.
Fast forward about 40 minutes into the recording if you'd like to listen:
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Thanks again and please keep in touch! As always, 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
State Capitol, Room 418
Juneau, AK 99801
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