Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Back in Action; FY13 Budget Review
Energy a Fairbanks Focus
Just yesterday, the Governor released the FY13 budgets and a bond bill for voters in November. While he admitted it is ‘healthy’, I am pleased both the Senate and the House stayed within the budget cap agreed upon before the session. To do this takes a strategic plan that covers the essentials needed to keep the state going, while promoting businesses, organizations, and projects that create strong commerce and communities.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Public Testimony on HB 3001: Oil & Gas Production Tax
Dear Neighbors,
I have just been notified that public testimony on HB 3001 will be heard tomorrow morning at 9am in the House Resources Committee. While this is news to me, I wanted to be sure you have the information you need to participate in this important discussion.
Speak up in two ways:
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Sine Die to Another Special Session
Dear Neigbors,
The 27th Alaska Legislature adjourned in the early hours on Monday with acclamation from the House on a job ‘well done.’ The Legislature satisfied the Constitutional requirement of passing a budget and passed a handful of bills to improve the lives of people, lower the cost of energy and keep Alaska on firm economic footing. Within an hour of adjournment, members received the unfortunate news that we would be forced into special session to reconsider the Governor’s tax breaks for big oil corporations. It has been a contentious issue for the last two years and has not received sufficient statewide support from lawmakers. The 30-day special session began today at 1pm at a price tag of around $35K per day.
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Democrats on Education Proposal: Fair Compromise, Schools Still Deserve Better
Lots of good for schools, but not enough to prevent cuts this year or in the future
JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats claimed a partial victory in the debate over school funding as the House passed a bill that provides far more resources to Alaska’s schools than what the governor proposed. The governor flat funded education and later proposed what was effectively a $10 million one-time increase, far short of keeping up with inflation.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Alaska State Budget Process
With two days left of the 27th Legislative Session, there are a handful of items left to finish. By Constitution, the only obligation of the State Legislature is to pass the state budget. Every year the budget gets wrapped up in the ongoing debate on oil and gas taxes and this year is no different.
Over the next two days there are bound to be several changes to the budget and movement on several important bills. I will try to keep you posted if there are any significant changes that affect you as Fairbanks residents.
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