November 5,
2015
End of the Special Session Recap
Dear Neighbors,
Special Session Adjourns
House Finance Committee This Week |
After 12 days, the Third Special Session is finally over. I attended House Finance Committee hearings every day while in Juneau, even on weekends. We heard from many key members of the Walker Administration as well as consultants explaining why it was the right choice was to buy out TransCanada’s 12.5 percent share of the AKLNG project.
This was a simple decision. Alaska will save more money and earn more revenue without TransCanada, and give the State more ownership with voting rights equal to those of the big 3 producers.
While Governor Walker had the authority to end the relationship with TransCanada, he sought the input and approval of the Alaska Legislature, which provided us the opportunity to hear from the public. The choice was clear from the beginning, but legislative leadership jumped on the opportunity to micromanage the Governor and keep us in Juneau longer than necessary on the State’s dime.
It is important to note this is only the first step. Passing this bill means we can move forward to the next step to build the gas line, but it will require the Alaska Legislature, Gov. Walker, and the public to come together to make a gas line happen.
I am glad we are moving forward. It is time for Alaska to sit at the table ourselves. The State has the opportunity to build the first LNG pipeline in the world of this magnitude. It will showcase our best skills, strengths and resources as Alaskans. After decades, the AK LNG project can no longer be postponed by sweetheart deals and posturing. I look forward to advancing this project in a fiscally responsible way that brings back the most revenue for the state.
What’s next?
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Speaking on the House Floor |
The Governor aims to introduce his budget early to provide the Legislature with more time to review it. As a member of House Finance Committee, I will be looking very closely at the budget to make sure it is fiscally responsible and does not hurt essential services that keep our community safe and healthy while providing our kids with the quality education they need to shape our leaders of tomorrow.
Part of this will also include reviewing the Governor’s proposal to bring in more revenue for the Permanent Fund, which has the potential to dig us out of this fiscal crisis and prevent another one in the future. As I work toward cleaning up the mess left behind by the previous administration, I look forward to hearing from you as we consider solutions that do the most good for the state with the least harm to our families.
Veterans’ Day
Talking about Alaska’s Fiscal Future |
Don’t forget: Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans’ Day. Be sure to take a moment to thank those who served and continue to serve our nation in the military and the families who support them. With Alaska boasting the highest number of veterans per capita in the nation, I am proud that so many of our state’s veterans call our great community of Fairbanks their home.
Interior Education Summit
The Tanana Chiefs Conference Education Council and the Interior Athabascan Tribal College Board of Trustees, invite you to join the 2015 Interior Education Summit, Interior Alaska's largest forum on Education. Come prepared to participate, to voice your concerns, to share your ideas and to learn. There is no cost to attend.
November 10-11, 2015
8:00am-5:00pm
Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall
Night for the North – Northern Alaska Environmental Center
The Night for the North is an annual event to benefit the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. The center is committed to conserving and protecting habitats for wildlife, culture, environmental health and future generations in Interior and Arctic Alaska.
November 14, 2015
5:30-9:30 pm
Raven Landing Center
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
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