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Murkowski Morning Meeting for Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Murkowski Morning Meeting
The DC Daybook with Alaska in Mind
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
U.S. Senate – Events
Going Beyond Talk on Job Creation (With Video)
Alaskan Impact: Alaska’s unemployment has been stuck at 7.7% for two months, with the national rate stagnant at 9.1 percent. Add in the fact that only 1 in 6
Americans think the American Jobs Act will succeed at reversing those jobless stats, and people are asking for action. The Senate Budget Committee heard testimony on promoting job creation in the U.S., and what are the factors holding America back.
5:30am AKDT
Senate Budget Committee Hearing
Topic: “U.S. Job Creation”
Testimony from:
- Former Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Alice Rivlin
- Dr. J.D. Foster, senior fellow in the economics of fiscal policy, Heritage Foundation
A key impediment to growth? Lack of demand because “Americans are worried” :http://bit.ly/r6WWFA
Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/oMbwZB
Growth Through Tax Reform?
Alaskan Impact: On PFD day, Alaskans have personal finances in mind. CNN said that President Obama’s approach to tax reform yesterday “sounds simple, but ….” And Bloomberg wrote Obama’s guideline “isn’t as straightforward as it appears.” Earlier today, the Senate Finance Committee examined “pro-growth tax reform” options, like those being sought by Senator Murkowski and the Super Committee.
6:30am AKDT
Senate Finance Committee Hearing
Topic: “Tax Reform Options”
Testimony from:
- Scott Wallsten, Technology Policy Institute, Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy
- Annette Nellen, San Jose State University College of Business
Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/oZTVn0
House of Representatives – Events
Improving Alaska Veterans Health Care Facilities
House is in session. At 8:00am AKDT, the House took up discussion on H.R. 2646, the “Veterans Health Care Facilities Capitol Improvement Act of 2011.”
Alaskan Impact:
The Veterans Health Care Facilities Act would authorize major medical facility improvement projects and leases, in order to improve veterans’ health care. Alaska is home to some 77,000 veterans and Senator Murkowski has pressed for better care for Alaska’s veterans – offering suggestions for better care in Alaska, rather than forcing
them to travel to Seattle. This paid off in June when the Senate Appropriations Committee placed needed VA improvements in the 2012 Military and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, along with follow-through for Alaska’s military community.
Regulations vs Jobs
Alaskan Impact: A vast federal presence in Alaska means the 49th state feels
federal overreach more than most states. Regulations and permitting difficulties are a reality in Alaska, but nationally, as well. Last week a Texas power company had to lay off 500 people, partly due to overreach. In a few hours, the House Rules Committee will examine how regulations are handcuffing job creation, and how to proceed.
1:00pm AKDT
House Rules Committee Hearing
Topic: “EPA Regulatory Analysis”
Questioning/Hearing: http://1.usa.gov/ruSpFz
Off the Hill – Events
The Future of Alaska’s Renewable Energy
Alaskan Impact: Senator Murkowski will be the keynote speaker at the American Council on Renewable Energy conference and will discuss her “all of the above” approach to making the U.S. energy independent, including renewable energy. As worldwide energy consumption rises, renewable projects are expected to increase each year – up to 53 percent by 2035. Alaska has a long history of these projects and continued development will help counter the rising energy costs throughout the state.
10:00am AKDT
Renewable Energy Technology Conference – American Council on Renewable Energy
Topic: “Renewable Energy in the 21st Century”
For more information on what’s happening in Washington,
D.C. or to find out Senator Murkowski’s view on these issues – contact the
Communications Office at 202-224-9301.
www.murkowski.senate.gov