March 20, 2012

Dear Neigbors,

The legislature is quickly winding down to the last few weeks of session, set to adjourn on April 15th. Members are eager to pass their favorite bills which are moving through committees after very little public testimony. Here are some important issues facing our legislature over the next few weeks.

Budget

The Operating Budget passed the first hurdle in the House last week and is headed to the Senate. This budget contains money for everything from teachers to police and firefighters, to road maintenance. A budget is a statement of the values of the Legislature. This marks the fifth budget of which I have helped to write and the latest budget I reluctantly voted against. Several good items, however, were added by the Democratic caucus including $250,000 for Early Learning Coordination, including Parents as Teachers, $238,000 for foster care training, education and recruitment and $360,000 over three years to reduce the rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea in the state. I offered three amendments on the House Floor that would have included additional funds for home energy rebates, restoring the funding for ANGDA, and putting $2 billion in savings to the Permanent Dividend Fund, all which failed on party lines.

The Operating Budget has grown to unsustainable and unhealthy levels. Lawmakers were asked about the ‘needs’ of their communities and somewhere along the way it was confused with ‘wants’. I will stand up and defend projects and budget items that are good for Fairbanks families that I can justify as ‘needs’. Relief from the high cost of energy, healthy communities, education and job opportunity are my priorities for Fairbanks and my votes have reflected my philosophy. I look forward to seeing more ways to curb spending and prioritize investments for the long-term.

Rep. Kawasaki discusses the negative effects of GMO Fish with bright,
young members of AYEA during their recent visit to the Capitol.

Public Input

Democracy only works if the people are engaged and active in the process. Two opportunities to express your concerns on important legislation will be heard tomorrow, March 21 and Thursday, March 22.

The Senate begins the capital budget process by working with the members of their House districts to include ‘one-time’ funding for district and community projects. We have worked with many Fairbanks organizations and non-profits for projects that have been vetted throughout the community and serve an important need.

What: Capital Budget Testimony

When: Wednesday, March 21 5-7pm

Call in Number: 1-855-463-5009

Secondly, HB 9, the most notable piece of gas legislation proposed this year is before the House Finance Committee. HB 9 proposes a bullet gas pipeline from the North Slope to tidewater. I have been openly opposed to this legislation mostly because it bypasses Fairbanks by 37 miles, leaving our community with the price tag of a large and expensive saddle plant, adding to the complication of getting natural gas to the Interior. There are several other issues with the project including the opportunity to give a state organization, AHFC, a lot of power in deciding who owns, operates and essentially controls the entire project. I believe this leaves Alaskans vulnerable to lose control of the very resources we cherish for the future. My staff is available to discuss this issue with you if you have any questions.

What: HB 9 Testimony

When: Wednesday, March 21 6-9 pm

Thursday, March 22 5-8:30 pm

Call in Number: 1-855-463-5009

VIDEO: Rep. Kawasaki discusses HB 9 at a House Democratic press conference.

**Note the Fairbanks LIO will also be open and available for public testimony during these times. Please call 452-4448 for more information.

Back in Fairbanks

I am returning to Fairbanks for the second and final constituent meeting Saturday, March 24 at the Assembly Chambers from Noon to 2 pm. This meeting comes amidst discussions around energy issues and contentious legislation on oil and gas taxes, both with significant potential impacts to the Interior. I encourage you and your family to attend with questions or concerns about these and other issues important to you. The 27th Legislative session is scheduled to end soon, April 15th. Please stop by anytime, or call my office at 456-7423 if you would like to schedule an individual appointment.

As always, please contact my office if there is anything I can do for you.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,