The in-state hiring incentive was attached Monday to a bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Craig Johnson. His measure would partially roll back industry taxes created in 2007 under the Alaska Clear and Equitable Share, or ACES, the state's oil and gas production tax. Discussions on the overall bill are expected in the coming weeks.
The jobs incentive appeared to have bipartisan support in the House Resources Committee, though partisan lines are forming on the overall bill.
Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, said he would prefer the in-state hiring incentive stood as its own bill so it would be more likely to pass. -- The Associated Press
Facebook access trial on hold for time being
JUNEAU -- Alaska legislators don't have access to the social networking Web site Facebook in their Capitol offices. And that may not change any time soon.
Curtis Clothier, an information technology manager with the Legislative Affairs Agency, recently asked the Legislative Council to authorize trial access through the rest of this session. A trial period is meant to gauge such things as network traffic, potential security risks and possible ethical issues.
The council last week put off a decision, pending further review. Rep. Bill Stoltze said he was worried about a possible drain on productivity. And he and council chair Rep. John Harris said they had no firsthand knowledge of the site.
-- The Associated Press
Legislator proposes Purple Heart Day
Alaska would set aside a day each year to honor Purple Heart recipients under a measure that passed the state House on Monday. The measure now goes to the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom, R-Anchorage, would designate Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day. She sees the designation as a way to show veterans' appreciation.
Purple Hearts are awarded to service members who are wounded or killed in battle.
-- The Associated Press
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