Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Day 90 With no Budget Deal: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
Ninety days have passed, and the legislature is now in overtime. Republican leadership has failed to work out a deal and the House Independent Democratic Coalition expect them to request a special session. There have been some good things to pass so far, but there is still work that is being held up by leadership. Here’s an update on the good, the bad and the ugly as we roll over into an extended session. As always, if you have any questions on a certain piece of legislation, please contact my office at (907) 456-7423.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Oil Tax Credits a Bad Business Deal for the People of Alaska
With only 5 days left in the session, my colleagues and I in the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition continue to push on our commitment for quality education, accessible health care, safe communities and a sustainable and comprehensive fiscal plan. Here’s an update on some fast-moving bills in the final days.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Crunch time! Bills on the Move, Income Taxes, Scholarships at Risk
There are only 10 days left in regular session, but Republican leadership has already warned us about another special session. The Senate passed a resolution calling for a special session on the road system-which likely means Anchorage-over one week ago. Many of my Independent Democratic Coalition members and I have called on legislators to focus, work hard and get the job done within the 90-day voter-mandated deadline. During these last several days, the legislature is also under a shorter schedule to notify the public of important bills and public testimony. While this is supposed to be helpful for the legislature to complete the work on time, it has also been used, in my opinion, to undermine the public process and short circuit public input. If you have any questions on a certain piece of legislation, please contact my office at 907.456.7423.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Cut Waste, Not Opportunities
Last week, during two 20-hour days in Finance Committee and on the House Floor, my colleagues and I in the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition fought against cuts to services for seniors and the disabled, education opportunities from Pre-K to UA, and public safety. We also introduced millions of dollar in cuts for costly megaprojects, such as the Kodiak Rocket Complex and the Knik Arm Bridge. During this time of fiscal crisis, it made no sense to cut vital services yet keep these special pet projects moving.
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Opportunity for Public Testimony, Community Resources for those in Crisis
My colleagues in the Senate Finance Committee will hear public testimony from across the state this week. You can testify in person at your local Legislative Information Office (LIO). If you live off the road system or there isn’t an LIO in your community, you can send written testimony to Senate.Finance.Committee@akleg.gov or call (907) 465-3753 for assistance.
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