May 21,
2015
Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to give you an update on the beginning of the second Special Session that is being held in Anchorage. The main focus will be the continued balanced budget discussion, education funding, Medicaid reform and expansion and Erin’s law. Here is my take on one of the strangest sessions I have had since being elected.
Last week: Participating in the Fairbanks Meeting from Anchorage. |
The Straight Scoop about the Special Session
I have pledged to be in Juneau to fulfill my duty as a member of this Legislature and pass a balanced budget. While many of us would rather be home, especially with the 80 degree Fairbanks weather, we owe it to you and All Alaskans to avert a government shutdown and do the responsible thing. There really is no value in pointing fingers at one party or another. Instead, the House Independent Democratic Coalition is working hard to hammer out a compromise of which Alaskans can be proud. But we need the help of the Republican majority for this to happen.
Here are the items that we are still working on for the people of Alaska.
A reduced budget that restores the promise to public education and senior benefits. The budget should be balanced, but not on the backs of the poorest Alaskans while large multi-national corporations reap huge profits from our oil.
Passage of Erin’s Law which would give school aged children the knowledge and training to avoid being victimized. This bill had already passed over the last two years, but it currently being held up by Senate leadership.
Fulfilling Governor Walker’s plan to reform and expand Medicaid to 40,000 Alaskans. This could create 4000 new jobs, save the state over $330 million over 5 years and bring in billions of dollars in increased economic activity to Alaska.
The Republican leaders in the majority have recently discussed using the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve to avoid negotiating and balance a budget. The House Independent Democratic Coalition strongly opposes their plans to use the reserve to avoid a compromise resolution to the current budget impasse. Using this account will only put future Permanent Fund Dividends in jeopardy and will be contrary to fiscal prudence.
Please contact lawmakers today and tell them that you would like to see us all work together, part with our partisan blinder and pass a budget that reflects Alaska’s values. Contact lawmakers at: GOV.AllLegislators@alaska.gov.
Another Chance to Testify!
The House Finance Committee is once again holding some public testimony regarding the budget and state priorities. It is a little sad that members and the public were not told until one hour ago, so I am trying my best to publish this information for you to participate. If you are not in Anchorage, please consider calling in to make your voice heard about the priorities of this year’s budget. It is time to get a balanced budget passed through compromise.
The dial in number for neighbors in Fairbanks will be 1-844-586-9085. The Finance Committee will hear testimony from 11am-2pm tomorrow.
Press availability with the House Independent Democratic Coalition at the over-priced Anchorage Legislative Information office. |
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
P.S. Please call me anytime if you would like to get the most up to date information on what is going on during this legislative session. I look forward to coming home soon! |
