The Gov’s Peeps are United?
The Legislature and the Governor are still at a crossroads and right now no one is backing down. The Governor has acknowledged that there likely needs to be added revenue to shore up the current gap between state spending and current income, but absolutely refuses to offer solutions (with the exception of a lottery which will at best make $10million or about .0067% of our shortfall). Story here. BUT THEN….In a really interesting exchange this week in House Finance, the interim budget director has asked the Legislature for three new positions to dive into the implications of a sales tax. Everyone in the room was shocked given the Governor’s stance. He implied that they would “welcome” the discussion. Um..does your boss know you feel that way? It was pretty wild. Story here.
Not Guilty?
The Senate voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment this week following a four month build up. The President responded in a speech calling the whole thing “bulls**t” – story here. The vote wasn’t even close, as 2/3 of the body is needed. Only one person broke with their party. Mitt Romney (R-UT) and his speech was very moving. Now the President and others are calling for him to be removed from the Republican party, because…you know…that vote is the only thing that makes you a Republican. Shrug. Story here.
State Reports:
Federal Reports:
News Links:
State News:
- Support varies on Hilcorp-BP deal
- Senate Finance takes a look at Supplemental
- Tammie Wilson wants to revamp OCS – is it legal?
- It’s good to know people in the Dunleavy Administration