Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Energy, Education and Going RED
The House Resources Committee heard a resolution urging the US Congress to take over Central Park. Many of you may have heard and seen the media attention surrounding HJR 31, a resolution. While I may have found the attempt humorous, most importantly, it’s a huge waste of time and state money.
I spoke up against this kind of satire legislation in the House Resources committee meeting, as the committee awaits 35 bills, some dealing with much-needed relief from the cost of energy that will help Fairbanks families. The message I want to send to the rest of the US is that we are good stewards of our resources, accountable to our constituents, and ready to lead the nation as an energy state.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Welcome Back to Juneau!
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Happy New Year to you from my Juneau office! It’s cold here, but nothing compares to the negative degree temperatures in the Interior.
The legislative session kicked off Tuesday, and as usual the halls are filled with legislators and staff from around the state to work for the constituents of the state. Of course, everyone is anticipating a major continued debate about the Governor’s tax break for big oil corporations.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Budget Times, College, and Brrrrr….
Things are really starting to roll as the holidays are approaching. The next legislative session is just around the corner, and the Interior Delegation has been meeting with constituent groups of the Fairbanks North Star Borough on their legislative priorities and funding requests.
While Alaska remains one of the only states in the nation to have a positive financial outlook, it is still impossible to fund everything brought before the Legislature. As a resource state, we have to consider the volatile nature of our cash reserves and look into solutions that plan for a sustainable future. This is the advice we give to organizations requesting support from the state, and this is advice the Alaska Legislature should heed itself.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Special Veterans Day Edition
Initially established as “Armistice Day” in 1919 by President Wilson, November 11, was a time to commemorate the signing of an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations, which ended WWI a year prior.
Today, we recognize this day as Veteran’s Day, in honor of the brave men and women who have served our country. It’s a time to thank these soldiers for an often thankless job, and to reflect on the sacrifice of our fellow Americans to defend the freedoms and rights of our country.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Almost Budget Time; Possible USPS Closing on Bases; APRIL Luncheon
The interim is flying by and my office has been busy preparing for the next ‘budget season.’ Last year, the Fall Forecast was released in late November and I anticipate a similar schedule this year, with the Governor’s Budget planned to be released sometime in early December. Every year my office fields hundreds of requests for projects requesting the aid of the state government. As we review district transportation needs, school construction and community and citizen projects, my priorities will be to improve the quality of life in Fairbanks. I will discuss more over the next few weeks on how to sort through the community needs and wants, while being frugal with our state budget and living within our means. Please feel free to send me your budget suggestions and comments.
Read More →
Follow