Dear Neighbor,

Constituent Meeting Success

The constituent meeting in Fairbanks was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who was able to take time out of a busy and sunny spring day to attend. There were so many of you who attended that we exceeded the maximum capacity of the room! Once again, thank you for coming to express your comments and concerns. I look forward to updating you all on these final days of the session.

Training Our Own

Alaskans have no option but to move out of the state if they wish to go to school to become a doctor or lawyer. Alaska remains one of only five states without a medical school and the only state without a law school. The WWAMI program is one way Alaskan students can attend medical school, but the program only admits 20 students per year. Without more access and opportunity for Alaskans, the state will continually face shortages in the legal and healthcare professions. Improved access to medical and law schools would alleviate many problems that burden students from Alaska such as moving out of state, high tuition costs and possibly moving back to find a job.

HB 38 would allow the University of Alaska to create schools of medicine and law. My bill is being heard for the first time in House Education Committee. If this bill passes, Alaskans may have the opportunity of attending law school or medical school in their home state. I encourage you or anyone you know who is interested to testify in support of this bill. You can send me a message so I can submit it in the record or:

• Visit your local Legislative Information Office
• Or call 1-855-463-5009 to testify

Tax Breaks for Big Oil Producers

The House will debate the Governor’s oil tax breaks for big oil producers over the next week. Over the past couple of months, we have heard from the Governor and big oil companies about the need for tax breaks. So far, they have never made the case that there would be more investment or local jobs and instead offered only “anecdotal evidence” and opinion. Even yesterday, I read an ad in the Petroleum News from the Department of Natural Resources – Division of Oil and Gas, that stated in part:

“The state has been a good partner for new explorers,” and “Alaska is successfully encouraging investment from companies that are new to the state.”

This is one of the only statements from the Administration for which I agree. Reports from the Administration show that 74% of the industry officials do not see ACES as a deterrent to investment. Development wells were developed at the highest level since 2006. The producers testified that the oil tax break would not encourage them to drill any new exploration wells in the next year. Companies like Great Bear Petroleum and Brooks Range are currently exploring and developing on the North Slope under ACES.

There are smarter ways to add oil into the pipeline than just giving away $2 billion in a potential gamble. I support tax credits to continue exploration and jobs for Alaskans. A handful of my fellow Democrat colleagues and I have fought hard to protect the state and we will continue to challenge the big oil producers and the Administration to come up with real solutions to make Alaska competitive.

Survey Results
I believe it is important to listen to my constituents and represent their needs here in Juneau. My February newsletter survey results show some of the important issues Fairbanks would like to see me address including the budget and the Governor’s oil tax break. Here are some of the results:

State Operating/Capital Budget

Would you support or oppose balancing the state budget by depleting the $13 Billion in the state’s Saving Account if it means no loss of public services?
Support – Oppose – No Answer
   30%          59%           11%

Tax Breaks for Big Oil Producers

Should we modify the current Alaska oil production tax, ACES (Alaska’s clear and equitable share)?
No or Yes, if yes Lower or Higher.
No - 62%
Yes – 35%
        If yes: Lower - 33%
                   Higher - 66%

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,

Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative