Rep. David Guttenberg's Legislative Report for District 38

Despite the governor’s call for the special session to take place in Juneau, the Speaker of the House has called House members to Anchorage on Thursday for a full floor session. It is unclear what this action means in terms of the special session coming to a close, or even the legality of the actions taken in Anchorage.

I am disappointed that we have been unable to resolve our budget issues; however, despite what the majority leadership may tell you, we continue to try and have a real discussion that results in a compromise. There are moves afoot to cut the minority out of the 3/4 vote needed to access the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR). I worry that by trying to go around the law, the majority may be jeopardizing not only future legislatures but our PFD.

Legislators should be sitting at the table talking about ways to soften the impact to education, state workers, and infrastructure and discussing the state’s fiscal future. Not finding sneaky ways around the rules.

Yet, I am still hopeful that we will close this special session with an agreement that is in the best interest of all Alaskans.

Most likely the Legislature meets through the weekend and into next week. To learn what is going on visit Gavel to Gavel or Alaska Legislature TV to watch both live and archived meetings. Visit akleg.gov to stay up to date each day on committees and floor sessions.

Rep Guttenberg and Rep Wool talk with residents during a packed constituent meeting.

Last week I joined with Reps Kawasaki and Wool to host a constituent meeting in Fairbanks. It was standing room only and we heard a variety of concerns about the future of our community and our state.

Thank you to everyone that was able to attend. I realize that this was a last minute meeting and I want all my constituents to know that they can always send an e-mail, call my office or stop on by. On that note, a special thank you to the thousands of

Rep Guttenberg listening to comments from residents at last week's meeting.

Alaskans who have been e-mailing me and my colleagues. I haven’t been able to respond to each one, but please know that they are being read.

Once we are officially out of session, I will be hosting constituent meetings around the district. Please keep an eye out for ads regarding those meetings.

Bennett road resurfacing from Steele Creek road to Chena Hot Springs road is starting today, May 20th and will continue through September. During this time the road will be closed (except for residents) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Residents can expect intermittent delays and drivers are asked to use caution when driving through the construction site.

If you have questions or concerns, here are a few numbers to keep handy:

Construction time can be very frustrating for drivers and residents. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you feel problems are arising and not being addressed.

These Fairbanks temps are great! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I send my gratitude to all of our veterans, current military personnel and the families of those who gave their life in service.

Now is the time to take caution with the bbq, moving equipment especially snow machines, and cutting wood. The Interior has already experienced a few small wildland fires this summer and we are all keeping our fingers crossed that nothing big comes along.

To find out about any fire in the state visit: http://fire.ak.blm.gov/

To report a wildland fire call: 1-800-237-3633

For more information on how to safeguard your home and neighborhood against wildland fires: http://forestry.alaska.gov/pdfs/firewise09.pdf

Thank you for reading and please feel free to call my office and share your ideas.