Dear Neighbor,

Energy Council

I returned Sunday night from my trip to the Energy Council. The four days spent in Washington were filled with non-stop meetings and seminars throughout the day. I travelled with three fellow House Democrats and a dozen House Republicans for meetings about Alaska. Meetings included visiting our Congressional Delegation and members of the Senate Energy Committee, the EPA and the Department of Interior.

Our delegation was excited to learn that the federal government is moving closer to resolving critical permit issues that would allow for larger quantities of Alaskan oil to reach US markets. The CD-5 bridge permit into the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska has been delayed for too long, but it appears that the permit is closer than ever to approval. The lifting of the offshore oil drilling moratorium by President Obama will also encourage OCS development, not just in the Gulf, but also in the Arctic. Finally, after the EPA finishes review of the North Slope Liberty project, drilling can begin. As a member of the State Legislature, I am looking forward to working with federal agencies and our state to continue moving these important projects forward.

While Energy Council is always learning experience for Alaskan legislators, going to DC is also a great opportunity to teach members of congress and other state legislators about Alaskan energy issues. Our House Democratic delegation was able to educate our democratic colleagues in federal offices who may be skeptical about development.

Early Education Pre-K Program

Studies show the tremendous benefits in terms of health, education and economic outcomes for children who have a quality early education. Alaska remains one of a handful of states that does not provide for pre-Kindergarten education to children. I have introduced House Bill 154 to create a universal, voluntary, pre-K plan through the Department of Education. The Department of Education and Early Development recently reported some exciting statistics on the existing pilot program that is operating in five communities around the state. The report showed that, in two short years, children showed an increase in mathematics and vocabulary. The pilot program is ready for prime time. My bill is being heard for the first time tomorrow morning in House Education Committee. I would like to encourage any of you or anyone you know that is interested in early education to testify in support or send me a message that I can submit in the record.

• Visit the any Legislative Information Office
• Or call 1-855-463-5009 to testify

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative