May 12,
2015
Dear Neighbors,
Vacation is over! Time to Get Back to Work.
While the republican leadership of the Alaska Legislature voted for a 13-day recess in the middle of session, the House Independent Democratic Coalition rejected the thought of a vacation. Like my colleagues, I continue to believe that no one deserves a break until we finish our job in Juneau. Passing a balanced budget with smart cuts, education funding to our schoolchildren and Medicaid reform and expansion to consider is still on the table. Without delay, we should continue to listen to the public, then make the tough decisions!
Last week’s protest at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office. My sign says ‘Alaska is better than this.’ |
Smarter Cuts - Alaskans Deserve Better
There is a notion that lawmakers just want to continue to spend more money on education, seniors and economic opportunity without understanding the fiscal situation. No one should believe this for one second. We don't have a spending problem, we have a problem with making the right priorities.
We have offered multiple hundred-million dollars in cuts from new costly road projects to megaprojects that will never come to fruition. It's sort of like making a plan to build a 14-bed mansion, when you know that your family of four wouldn't be able to afford the construction or the heating oil to keep it warm in Fairbanks! We continue to see value in a strong public education system from pre-K to UAF, supporting our seniors and strengthening our economy. How can anyone justify increasing oil tax credits to $700 million up 12.5 percent, when schools are expecting a double digit cut?
It’s time to get back to work and finish the job were elected to do. |
Statewide Town Hall Meetings
On Thursday May 14th from 5 to 7 p.m. there will be a town hall meeting to connect with Fairbanksans on the budget, education funding and Medicaid reform and expansion. The meeting will take place at the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office (the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union Building) at 1292 Sadler Way on the 3rd floor. Meetings will also occur in Anchorage, Juneau and Ketchikan and I will personally try to organize other meetings for the public to interact with the Legislature.
Light refreshments will be provided and Fairbanksans are encouraged to attend with any comments, questions and concerns.
I have been and will continue to support public education, safer communities, affordable and accessible healthcare and opportunities for all Alaskans.
Once again, thank you to each and every Alaskans who took the time to contact my office. It is vitally important we are involved in throughout the budget and legislative process.
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks |
