Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Back to Work in Fairbanks

Dear Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe the first session of the 28th Legislature is already over, having wrapped up on the evening of April 14th. This session was unique – and while there were positive moments of collaboration between legislators, political parties and the public, there were also troubling trends regarding a lack of public participation and due process. Shortened public testimony, rushed bills through committees, and not taking the time to seriously consider some of the most historic issues we as legislators will ever see is a trend that must be reversed.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: BUDGET ALERT! and Oil Tax Breaks

Two days left to go in the first session of the 28th Legislature and we are working into the night on important issues to shape the future of Alaska.

Alaskans have a $16 billion dollar savings account because state leaders ensured throughout history we get a fair share of OUR oil wealth. The UAF Engineering buildings, Cushman Street Expansion, and Ryan Middle School Renovations, and energy relief for the Interior are just a few examples of projects that are possible because of these wise investment decisions. Billions of dollars each year go to enhance communities – 90% of those dollars come from the development of oil. I will continue to fight on your behalf for those dollars to stay here.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Last Chance to Testify on Oil Taxes

Thank you to everyone that has called, written, or sent an e-mail to my office. It is very important to hear from you.

As we rapidly reach the end of session, we often receive lots of communication about budget items, bills, and other issues – sometimes orchestrated by one interest group or another. As I’ve said in the past, I don’t work for corporations. I don’t work for a political party. I work for YOU. I want to hear from constituents, not put-up campaigns. If you’re a District 38 resident, I want to hear from you!

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Gov’s Giveaway and a Full Plate of Bills

Dear Neighbors,

In the Finance committee, we are in the thick of studying the Governor’s oil tax break. Last week, shortly after 2 am the House Resources committee rushed out SB 21 with even lower taxes proposed for the oil industry than the Senate version. It now gives even more billions of your dollars to oil corporations, still without any guarantee for production.

The last week of session is always an interesting and busy time of year.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: “It’s Our Oil” Rally

With the clock ticking down to the final weeks, the legislature has to decide which bills will pass this session and which will wait until January 2014. With the big issues blocking up House Resources, House Finance, and Senate Finance, small legislation is on hold until the log jam breaks.

I want to say thank you to all the people who have called in to testify, written e-mails, POMs, and made phone calls to me and my colleagues. Your voices really do make a difference in bills and budgets.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Alaska’s Nest Egg, PFD to PCG, and Weekend Visit

The Permanent Fund, Alaska’s Nest Egg

The Permanent Fund has been accurately described as Alaska’s Nest Egg. It took our limited natural resource of oil and has turned it into a $45 billion fund that provides annual dividends and helps to build schools and hire police officers. The ‘permanent funds’ of all other states combined is still smaller than ours! And legislators must protect the permanent fund for future generations of Alaskans. Less money from oil revenue and massive tax breaks for big oil corporations will put the permanent fund and PFD’s in jeopardy in the future. I hope legislators and the public are wise about how we preserve our Nest Egg for generations of Alaskans yet to come.

NEWS: Rep. Kawasaki to Host Constituent Meeting March 30

JUNEAU – Representative Scott Kawasaki will host a final town hall meeting of this session in Fairbanks on Saturday, March 30th. The meeting will be held at the Noel Wien Library Conference Room from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Representative Kawasaki invites Fairbanksans to a discussion on issues like the budget, oil taxes, education, and energy for the Interior.

Rep. Guttenberg’s Legislative Report: Save Our Schools, Senate Operating Budget Public Testimony Tomorrow and Saturday

I want to take this opportunity to tell you about upcoming opportunities to affect the budget and policy moving through the Legislature.

S.O.S- Save Our Schools

This legislative session has seen numerous education policy bills that would significantly change our public education system. Couple this with a lack of basic funding and we are in danger of doing significant harm to our families, students, teachers and staff.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: The 3 E’s, SOS!, and Oil Taxes

Dear Neighbors,

My priorities are no secret. Keep Education strong with adequate funding; continue working to advance the Economy through smart policy and good projects that create jobs; and always work towards sustainable and affordable Energy solutions. Education funding in the House operating budget left gaping holes in our curriculum and support of Pre-K to UA. My call continues that the Senate restore this funding as part of their operating budget.

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Big Budget Lacks Direction

Dear Neighbors,

The Operating Budget was on the House Floor this week after rigorous debate before the full body and in the House Finance committee. It passed without my vote. The House Majority chose to leave money on the table that provides real meaningful investments in Alaska: investments in her people.