January 29, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

We have completed the first two weeks of the 28th Legislature and things are moving very quickly with the budget and financial overviews, bills in committees and constituent requests. Here are some highlights for the week.

Fairbanks Finance Issues

An important committee assignment for Interior Alaska is the House Finance Committee. The committee is the author of the budget that helps to pay for roads, energy projects, schools and police. While Rep. David Guttenberg is away to take care of his wife, Marilyn, I will defend the needs of Fairbanks along with my colleagues Reps. Steve Thompson and Tammie Wilson.

The committee is just learning about the details of the Governor’s proposed $12.7-billion budget. One thing is for sure-it’s a big one! The budget is heavily dependent upon federal dollars and oil revenues, so changes in the federal budget or tax breaks for big oil will severely change our economic future and our budget. One thing to note for the cold winter is that the major budget items to help bring down the cost of energy through a gas trucking plan and gasline build-out in Fairbanks are not yet in the budget. The powerful finance committee will have to take a very close look at our many wants and our true needs in order to pass a balanced and frugal budget in the next 75 days.

Interior Delegation Chair Elected

The Interior Delegation last night elected Rep. Pete Higgins as chairman by unanimous consent. Being elected to the chair is an opportunity for a first-time member to show leadership as a point of contact for the Interior Delegation and the communities we serve. The chairman works closely with the Anchorage Caucus and Bush Caucus to advance the needs of the regions. He will also be in charge of scheduling meetings with visiting groups from the interior.

Student Loan Reduction Bill: Take Action

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of HB17, ‘Reducing the Principal of Postsecondary Education Loans for Alaska Students Who Remain in or Return to Alaska.’ This bill is an important step in lessening the financial burden on Alaskans who go to college in Alaska, and can serve as an incentive to our recent graduates to remain in-state as they delve into their careers. If you would like to show your support for this bill to be heard in the House Education Committee, please contact Toby Smith in Rep. Les Gara’s office: 907-465-2647 or toby.smith@akleg.gov

Capital Projects

I worked diligently during the interim to listen to community organizations. Alaska is fortunate to have been able to support projects that improve the Fairbanks economy and quality of life. With the introduction of the electronic system, CAPSIS, these groups can apply for funding. The closing date to request a capital appropriation is Feb. 4 at 5pm. For more information about the CAPSIS system and projects requests, please contact Mindy O’Neall at mindy.oneall@akleg.gov or 465-6890.

Access Your Legislature

You can follow the daily activity of the legislature by accessing the Alaska State Legislative website and streaming online. And of course, my door is always open and I am here for you as your Representative.

You can contact my office by:

Phone: 907-465-3466

Email: Rep.Scott.Kawasaki@akleg.gov

In-person: Alaska State Capitol, Room 405

P.S. Since 2003, The American Heart Association has been a leader in raising awareness for cardiovascular disease in women through their Go Red for Women Campaign. I was surprised to learn that one of three women will be affected by and nearly 500,000 American women lives are claimed annually by heart disease. This Friday, Feb. 1, I invite you to join the Alaska State Legislature in promoting the cause and raising awareness by wearing red.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,