November 23,
2015
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dear Neighbors,
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There is no law requiring GMO salmon to be labeled |
Let’s Give Thanks During the Holidays
After an ‘extra-helping’ of a special session, I’m glad to be back home in Fairbanks, where there is no shortage of things to do. Over the next few weeks, Governor Bill Walker will unveil his budget details, portions of a fiscal plan and set the tone for the next legislative session that begins in January. The Finance Committee, of which I am a member, will be focused on the fiscal gap and a fiscal solution. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary.
‘Frankenfish’ Ruling and GMO Labeling
This week, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that genetically modified salmon can be sold for
human consumption. This is just another example of corporate profits supported over people. Last year, I cosponsored a resolution that opposed this effort and it passed unanimously. It’s clear Alaskans not only want to know what’s in their food, but we also want to sustain our wild salmon industry responsibly.
While there is currently no federal law that requires genetically modified salmon to be labeled, consumers will not even know they are eating them. This Legislature, even before this ruling, I joined Reps. Tarr and Tuck in sponsoring HB 92 to require the labeling of all genetically modified food products sold in the state. Alaskans hold a fundamental belief they have a right to know what is in their food, and the U.S. and Canada are the only two development nations in the world that do not have it.
This upcoming session, I will push this bill with my colleagues so we waste no time in making sure Alaskans are fully informed about the foods they buy and eat. Please consider sending letters of support for this effort to my office.
A Snowy Winter and Fewer Snow Plows?
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I met with Commissioner Hoffbeck to discuss Alaska’s fiscal future |
The Interior Delegation recently received an update from Director Dave Miller from the Department of Transportation on our efforts of roads, rails and ports. It was good news to hear that our region had a near record year for safety improvement and road repaving thanks to money we secured over the last several years. However, most of our attention is on the current maintenance and operations budget which was more than 6% lower this year due to cuts.
Alaskans see the needs for further reductions and the department is doing what it can to clear the most heavily trafficked roads and ones that are near schools and safety corridors. As the legislature continues budget cuts this year, these type of cuts are visible to many since we all share the roads.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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The Interior Delegation met with retired public employees last week |
Even with the recent cold temperatures ushering in the real heart of winter here in the Interior, this “love letter” to Fairbanks the Alaska Dispatch truly captures the beauty of our hometown this time of year. I hope you enjoy a warm, happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
The Fairbanks Community Food Bank will provide Thanksgiving Food boxes at the First Presbyterian Church at 547 7th Ave from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Visit the Food Bank’s website for more information about locations and times for Thanksgiving Day meals and how you can help those in need in the community.
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
P.S. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook Or Instagram. |
