Dems Denounce GOP “Crap Shoot”
Alaska in distress
Welcome to the day of reckoning.
Monday came and went without a vote on SB21, the highly controversial oil tax bill in which the governor and the governor’s hench-legislators would like us to give away almost $2 billion a year to Big Oil in exchange for … nothing. You know, just to be nice, so that then they might decide to be nice to us. If they want. No pressure.
The vote is scheduled to happen Wednesday, and Democratic members of the Alaskan Senate say they remain hopeful a series of amendments can prevent Alaska from falling off its very own “fiscal cliff” that will lead inevitably to massive deficits, with no commitments from the oil industry to raise production levels or increase Alaska hire.
“Alaskans elected us to make a good business deal for them. The Governor’s giveaway in Senate Bill 21 was described as a “crapshoot” by a key supporter. We categorically reject that. We won’t support the sacrifice of our schools, roads, and public safety and the 17 billion dollars we fought so hard to save without solid commitments from the industry to drill in Alaska, rather than use our money to drill overseas,” said Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), that crazy radical. He’s so demanding.
The “key supporter” is Senate Finance Co-Chair Kevin Meyer of South Anchorage who also happens to work for… (wait for it)… ConocoPhillips!
“We have had zero audits under ACES. We have no information on capital credits except the two anecdotes from the Governor. The Legislature is being asked to rubber stamp a rush job,” stated Senator Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage).
So, when SB21 does come up for a vote, Senate Democratic legislators plan to offer several amendments to retain Alaska’s share of windfall profits, correct deficiencies in audit requirements, and directly tie any tax reductions to increased production.
“As it stands now, Senate Bill 21 cheats the future. I maintain hope tomorrow my colleagues will join together as we have in previous years to stand up for Alaska. We can make this really bad piece of legislation better or failing that, vote it down,” stated Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage).
“During the last election every candidate stated they would not give away billions with no strings attached. Tomorrow we will find out who keeps their promises to the people of Alaska and who caves to the pressure of the oil industry, against the interests of Alaska, because that is exactly what Senate Bill 21 does,” said Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage).
Completely and totally off any possible topic, however something to think about. My students’ house was blown up this week by a local crazy guy. This guy was awaiting sentencing and had been reported for previous suicidal tendencies. I actually drove past the house 5 minutes before this happened – less than 2 miles from my school. As I was getting out of my car at school, the earth jumped. Here is the best synopsis (by a UK paper, but comprehensive)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2296197/Brad-Kollar-Revealed–How-Penn-suicide-bomber-used-device-similar-Oklahoma-City-bomb-shocking-aftermath-revealed-new-pics.html
Yikes! I hope everyone’s ok…
Good grief!
But the Governor is having Choose Respect rallies this week. Why collect taxes to pay for domestic violence prevention programs when you can end violence with a slogan? It worked for Nancy Reagan didn’t it?
Sorry, Carol, the answer is NO. Unless the Senate manages to reorganize itself in such a way that the clear thinkers can assume leadership roles.
And a clear-thinking caucus would never select Charlie Huggins as their leader.
thanks, my thought confirmed. Sadly.
I guess there is no hope. Are there any fence sitters that might listen to the public, even if we aren’t in their district?
The only good thing I can say aboot kevin meyer is he is not john connley.
If and when Alaskan voters finally figure out that regressives support corporations not Alaskans, then we could move forward.
I suspect Carol’s question is somewhat rhetorical. Nonetheless, the GOP legislators are not interested in what’s good for the state. They are interested in what is good for big oil, and their steady flow of campaign funds.
Realistically, is there any hope? That the Legislature will come to the conclusion that this give-away is not good for the state? Or does the majority have their minds made up to give the oil companies (the most profitable companies in the history of the world) more money with absolutely nothing in return? Which of the legislators might be willing to listen to the public?