Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Special Session, Fairbanks Office and House Finance Meetings
The past 10 days of an extended and special session have been extremely productive as we negotiate a few items to get Governor Walker a balanced budget. Right now, the sticking points are Medicaid reform and expansion and a balanced budget with a commitment to education which I will speak to later. It is my hope that we can finish soon with our only Constitutional duty, to advance a budget.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Pledges Continued Work and Negotiations in Juneau for Fully Funded Budget
JUNEAU – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition concurs with Governor Bill Walker in his call for lawmakers to continue working towards a fully funded budget before taking a break from the special session in Juneau. On Monday, without support from the 13 members of the Coalition, the House and Senate Majorities approved a FY 2016 budget that includes a five percent cut to public education and spending over $3 billion more than available revenue. This flawed budget could result in the elimination of vital state services as soon as August.
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NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Legislation to Expand the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Juneau – The Alaska Legislature has passed legislation sponsored by Representative Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks) and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) to expand the popular Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks. House Bill 70 passed the Senate by a vote of 20-0 and passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 37-1.
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NEWS: Sen. Wielechowski and Rep. Kawasaki Introduce Legislation to Bolster Public Trust in Elected Officials
JUNEAU – Senator Bill Wielechowski (D–Anchorage) and Representative Scott Kawasaki (D–Fairbanks) will introduce legislation Monday to strengthen rules governing when legislators with a significant financial stake in a particular issue can vote.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: A little over a week left in Juneau!
The state’s $3.5-billion budget deficit has headlined most newspapers this session and overshadowed almost every other issue. My office has received hundreds of calls, emails, letters and messages on a variety of topics ranging from dramatic cuts to schools to the silencing of public radio and the elimination some benefits to seniors. I will personally read and listen to each and every communication and work to protect the critical and constitutionally-mandated functions of government.
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