October 30,
2015
Divorce (or Dissolution) Special Session Update
Dear Neighbors,
Listening to Consultant testimony in the Finance committee |
The Legislature is now in day 7 of a special session called by Governor Bill Walker to propose the ‘buy-out’ of TransCanada under SB138, a bill that passed under the last administration. After only a few days, it seems the best, and possibly the only, course moving forward on the proposed natural gasline for Alaska.
It is of note that the testimony we have heard from the Governor, the gasline partners, the producers and our own independent legislative consultants is consistent. We rarely get this level of agreement anywhere, anytime in the Capitol, so I’m pretty comforted that we are making the right decision.
Here are the facts:
1. Most importantly, if the Legislature fails to act on the Governor’s request, the AKLNG project will not proceed and all of the money that Alaska has invested over the last decade would be for nothing.
2. TransCanada, our current pipeline partner, agrees with the Governor that a mutual dissolution is the right thing to do moving forward. It’s a “mutual dissolution," NOT a divorce.
3. The Governor’s request would make the state billions more in revenue over the first 20 years if the project succeeds by increasing our share, instead of sharing it with the outside company.
So... why are we still in Juneau when this is such a simple decision to make? Some say petty politics are at play. One thing is for certain: Alaska is facing a crisis and now, more than ever, Alaskans need leaders to bring us together and remind us that we are all in this together. Alaska needs leaders to remind us of our common victories and challenges. Most of all, we deserve leaders who try to unite us under our common goals.
A Sound Fiscal Future
Finance Committee Hearing with Rep. Thompson and Rep. Saddler |
Governor Walker recently introduced a concept to lawmakers in Juneau on how to restructure our current Permanent Fund and other state funds in to a much larger sovereign wealth fund. Our Permanent Fund has been incredibly successful. It has provided Alaskans with annual PFD’s which stimulate the economy. It is now larger than the permanent funds of all other states combined. Last year, the interest earned on the Permanent Fund was the largest part of the state budget because oil revenues have dropped. I applaud Governor Walker for addressing this huge fiscal crisis the previous administration had left for him. However, as we delve in to details, I will be looking very closely at how any plan directly impacts individuals and families across Alaska.
Closer to Home – Interior Energy Plan
While lawmakers wrestle with the large scale pipeline mega-project in Juneau, neighbors want to know about gas to local neighborhoods. The Interior Energy Project will update the public in a town hall meeting on the Fairbanks project. Attendees will hear from the companies that are interested in providing gas to Fairbanks through various means in the next couple of years.
November 4, 2015
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Pioneer Park Civic Center
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
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