February 10,
2016
House Concentrates on Passing Budget
Dear Neighbors,
This week, the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition and the Senate Democratic Caucus decided to follow the example of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention by proposing that all members of the Legislature put aside partisan politics and work together as one caucus of the whole.
Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” Coming together as one means we have to overcome partisanship to find a solution that does not hurt working families. We cannot fix this problem with cuts alone. I look forward to working with the Governor and all members of the Legislature to find common ground in line with public interest.
House Focuses on the Budget
Rep. Kawasaki in House Finance |
Monday, the House passed House Concurrent Resolution 23 to require the House to focus solely on budget and revenue-generating legislation, such as the Governor’s multiple proposals for revenue and restructuring the Permanent Fund. This means no other legislation will be considered until the operating budget is sent to the Senate. The resolution also temporarily suspended the 5-day notice of committee hearings.
I’m glad this means my colleagues and I will buckle down and focus on passing a budget before we consider less urgent bills like new license plate designs. However, it also means the public will have less than a day’s notice when the opportunity for testimony on a bill arises. I will make sure you are in the loop about any opportunity to testify on taxes and budget bills via Twitter, Facebook and E-News. Please stay in touch with my office if you have questions about particular bills or budget items.
Saturday, Feb. 13: Community Listening Session with Rep. Wool in Fairbanks
Rep. Kawasaki and Rep. Wool discuss new bills for introduction |
We want to hear your thoughts and concerns about this historic legislative session! What do you think about budget cuts, tapping the Permanent Fund and revenue proposals? What about criminal justice reform, family priorities and economic development?
Come join Rep. Adam Wool and me at Gulliver’s Books this Saturday for a community meeting so we can take your concerns back to Juneau. Food and coffee will be provided. See you there!
Fairbanks Community Meeting with Rep. Kawasaki and Rep. Wool
Gulliver’s Books Second Story Café
3525 College Road in Fairbanks
Saturday, February 13
1:00-3:00pm
Food and coffee provided
As always, please feel free to reach out to me or my office anytime throughout the Legislative Session.
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
P.S. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook Or Instagram. |
