January 22,
2016
Legislative Session Begins in Juneau
Dear Neighbors,
UAF Bristol Bay Campus students participate in mock legislative hearing in the Capitol |
This year will be a busy one for the Alaska Legislature as we tackle a huge budget shortfall, falling oil production and uncertainty. Alaska has had tough times before and we have survived and thrived. We have done so, because we were able to work together, shed our partisan blinders and become a better government. Our state Constitution was ratified by all 55 diverse members of the convention in a time when the sole focus was on how to make the state a better place to live, work and raise a family. Over the next few months, I’m hopeful that working together will make us a stronger Alaska.
Meet My Staff
My staff Mercedes, Lachlan, Jake and me in the Capitol |
I’m pleased to have three born-and-raised Fairbanksans working in my office this session: Mercedes Theuer Birdsall, Lachlan Gillispie, and Jake Gerrish. We are all dedicated to the community we all call home.
Mercedes Theuer Birdsall rejoined my staff last October after working in the Legislature in 2009-2010 before going to graduate school in Washington, DC, where she worked as a legislative aide for a member of the Alaska Congressional Delegation and Alaska public policy consultants. You can reach Mercedes by e-mail at Mercedes.Birdsall@akleg.gov.
Lachlan Gillispie joined my staff last summer and is an Americorps Alumni and former UAF student who served on the Associated Students of UAF. He is passionate about political theory, public service and Arctic policy. Lachlan can be reached by e-mail at Lachlan.Gillispie@akleg.gov.
Jake Gerrish is an intern with the UA Legislative Internship Program. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in political science and economics from UAF. He chose to become an intern because he wants to contribute to the Alaskan legislative process and experience living in Juneau. Jake can be reached by e-mail at Jacob.Gerrish@akleg.gov.
The State of the State
Greeting Gov. Bill Walker following the State of the State Address |
Last night, Governor Bill Walker delivered his State of the State address.Governor Walker has put forward a bold fiscal plan. This plan is a starting point for addressing Alaska’s unprecedented fiscal crisis. The governor’s plan needs a lot of work because it puts an unfair burden on some Alaskans while benefiting others and disproportionately hurts working families while protecting corporations. The House Independent Democratic Caucus will review the bills and make recommendations over the next several months to make the bills better.
To gain a better understanding of the new revenue options under consideration, I introduced a bill to create a Ways and Means committee, along with other members of the caucus.
Permanent Committee on Ways and Means
Minority Leader Chris Tuck and me at Caucus this week |
This week, I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 16 (HCR 16) to create a permanent committee on House Ways & Means. This committee would consider methods to control state spending, identify ways to make government more efficient and review measures that raise state revenue.
The state’s current fiscal crisis creates the need to vet all possible solutions. A permanent committee would make sure the Legislature is proactive on considering proposals to raise revenue for the state rather than waiting for another crisis to hit. It would also give more Alaskans a chance to weigh in on very complex issues.
Right to Try Experimental Drugs
I also introduced House Bill 215 this month to reduce the wait time for federal approval for terminal patients to access experimental drugs, in consultation with their doctors. When the terminally ill are out of time and options and presented with the associated risks, patients should be able to work with their doctors and loved ones in making the choice about what types of treatments they are willing to try. Terminally ill patients shouldn't have to ask the government for permission to try to save their own lives.
Feel free to contact my office at (866) 465-3466 if you have a question on these or any other bills or issues. You can also reach me directly by e-mail at Rep.Scott.Kawasaki@akleg.gov. I need your input to help me do my job here in Juneau during this important legislative session, I look forward to hearing from you.
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
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