April 12, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

Two days left to go in the first session of the 28th Legislature and we are working into the night on important issues to shape the future of Alaska.

Alaskans have a $16 billion dollar savings account because state leaders ensured throughout history we get a fair share of OUR oil wealth. The UAF Engineering buildings, Cushman Street Expansion, and Ryan Middle School Renovations, and energy relief for the Interior are just a few examples of projects that are possible because of these wise investment decisions. Billions of dollars each year go to enhance communities - 90% of those dollars come from the development of oil. I will continue to fight on your behalf for those dollars to stay here.

The state savings account is the result of prudent tax structures on oil and innovative thinking to dream big. The savings account is just one part of the state under attack, and today, as the capital budget is expected to roll out, Alaskans and communities are feeling the pinch. The fair share of our oil wealth is filling the state coffers for projects we need to be competitive and attractive to people who want to work and live here. Instead, we are giving billions in dividends to oil companies who are spending their profits outside the state without any guarantee to Alaskans of raising production.

Stop Our Oil Wealth Giveaway rally supporter, Tim Tillsworth and his dog Max, show their opposition to SB 21 in Fairbanks last week. The statewide rally turned out thousands who agree: It’s OUR oil!

I stand with thousands across this state- Alaskan citizens, industry experts, and elected officials - who see the true impact of giving away billions of dollars to Outside oil companies. It means less road projects, less school improvements, less support for social services, and less growth and advancement for the people who live in this state. With SB 21, Alaskans lose big time. Under the current projections from our own state fiscal analysis, we will be in deficit spending to the tune of $5.7 billion and growing – for up to a decade. The facts are clear and I am on your side in keeping Alaska’s fiscal future bright.

The House edition of the Capital Budget is expected out this afternoon. Legislation is moving very fast now, so if you are interested in testifying in support or opposition to a project in the capital budget, call the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office at 907-452-4448 for the latest information regarding the time for public testimony. For those in Fairbanks, testimony will be held at the Fairbanks LIO, 1292 Sadler Way, near Home Depot.

As always, please consider my office a resource for any of your needs.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,