Special Session Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Special session is here and the legislature is working to analyze the various options that are being put on the table for a potential Trans-Canada buyout.  Trans Canada is our partner in the AKLNG project.  This decision making process was put in place in 2014 when the legislature passed SB138.

SB138 said that we get to decide whether our relationship with TransCanada is in the state’s best interests. This process started with Gov. Parnell and the state has retained the same consultants. The likelihood of a fall special session has been on the radar for quite some time.  That day is here.

Rep. Guttenberg speaks on the first day of special session

Trans-Canada is a respected company and they support the buyout for their own reasons.  The different consultants all put similar analysis before us, the difference if the pipeline is built could be an additional $365 million a year for the state.  If it’s not built it will cost the state less because we will not be incurring other costs. The fiscal consultants often at odds with each other agree that it is best to take back control of our 25% interest of the project.

Since Governor Egan, Alaskans have been advocating ownership of a pipeline that moves our resources to  market as a way to live up to our constitutional obligation to develop our resources for the maximum benefit of all Alaskans.

Bringing awareness to the Fairbanks Four case.

Currently in the interior, the “Fairbanks Four” trial is underway.  On the first day of special session I employed a special order speech to bring attention to this already highly publicized case.  18 years ago a young man was murdered on the streets of Fairbanks.  Four men were arrested and convicted for that murder, and in all these years, there has been an underlying concern of a false conviction.   The highly covered movement to resurface evidence and bring the men back to trial is in progress now.  I’m not sure if they are guilty or innocent, but I do know that many Alaskans are concerned and want to see justice done, for all sides.

We are quickly approaching regular session this January and the legislature has a lot of work ahead of them.  With a budget deficit, we will be faced with many challenges.  I’m interested to hear your feedback and concerns.  Please click here to take my online survey to let me know how you feel or any ideas you might have!