NEWS: Interior Democrats Fight for Fairbanks in Small Gasline Proposal

Without fixes, bill would undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans

JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, Interior House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect Fairbanks’ and Alaskans’ interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.

“As it is, this bill would repeat many of the mistakes Alaskans have made in the past,” said Rep. David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). “We have an oil line right through the Interior and we still pay some of the highest energy prices in the nation, and without significant changes, this bill would let us watch a gasline go by without any real benefit to Fairbanks.”

NEWS: Democrats Move to Improve Small Gasline Proposal

Without fixes, bill could undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans

JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect consumers, resource development incentives, and the state’s interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.

“I am all for getting a gasline to get Alaska’s gas to market and to Alaskans. A small line should be our last option. With alternatives that bring cheaper energy to Alaskans moving forward, it’s premature to rush ahead with a bill that undercuts development and puts the state and consumers at risk.”

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Your Money, Your Voice, and my Fairbanks Visit this Weekend

The legislature is quickly winding down to the last few weeks of session, set to adjourn on April 15th. Members are eager to pass their favorite bills which are moving through committees after very little public testimony. Here are some important issues facing our legislature over the next few weeks.

Budget

The Operating Budget passed the first hurdle in the House last week and is headed to the Senate. This budget contains money for everything from teachers to police and firefighters, to road maintenance.

Rep. Kawasaki Announces Second Constituent Meeting in Fairbanks

Juneau, AK – Representative Scott Kawasaki will hold a constituent meeting March 24, 2012 at the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Chambers from Noon to 2 pm. The event is open to the public.

This meeting comes amidst discussions around energy issues and contentious legislation on oil and gas taxes, both with significant potential impacts to the Interior. Attendees are welcome to bring questions or concerns about these and other issues. The Alaska Legislative session began January 17, 2012 and is scheduled to sine die on Sunday, April 15th.

Democrats Move to Restore Funding for Voter-Created Gasline Authority

Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority still valuable to developing gas resources

JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered an amendment to the budget to re-instate funding for the voter-created authority that works on developing projects to market Alaska’s natural gas.

“The voters created ANGDA, and it still plays a valuable role in finding ways to get gas to Alaskans,” said Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks).

Democrats to Gov: Stop Touting Existing Oil Industry Commitments as New

Official reports show I-Pad, other promised investment already underway under ACES

JUNEAU – Today Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) called on the governor to stop touting existing oil industry commitments as new when he pitches his multi-billion dollar oil tax giveaway.

“For the last four to five years, the oil industry has reported to the state that these projects are already in their plans, so how can the governor keep repeating that they are new commitments?” asked Rep. Kawasaki, a member of the House Resources Committee.

Public Testimony on Oil Tax Debate TODAY and TOMORROW

What:
Senate Resources Committee members will be hearing public testimony for Senate Bill 192, relating to oil and gas production tax. This is the Senate’s counteroffer to HB 110, The Governor’s tax breaks for big oil corporations.

When:
Tuesday, February 28 at 6:00pm (Senate Finance Room 532, State Capitol)
Wednesday, February 29 at 6:00pm (Butrovich Room, State Capitol)

Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Constituent Meeting Saturday, Murkowski and Frankenfish

Dear Neighbors,

Today we are joined by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski for her annual Address to the Legislature with a question and answer session with the full Legislature following. The video will be available later today on her website.

Democrats’ Resolution Calls on Governor to Opt-Out of No Child Left Behind

“The federal program has never worked for Alaska. It’s time we set our own standards”

JUNEAU – Today, Rep. Bob Miller and three other Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives introduced a resolution (HJR 39) calling on the state of Alaska to opt-out of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program and to develop its own Alaska-appropriate education standards.

“No Child Left Behind was a federal mandate that never worked for Alaska,” said Rep. Miller. “It’s time we develop our own Alaska-appropriate standards and get out from under this federal program that set too many of our schools up to fail.”

Alaska Legislators Endorse Injunction Against Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Management

Alaska state senators and representatives endorse and commend District Judge Timothy Burgess’ February 2nd order granting a preliminary injunction against Remington Lodging and Hospitality, the Texas based managing company of the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage, in order to provide immediate relief to Alaskan workers from irreparable harm. Further, in light of hotel management’s refusal to comply by filing a motion to stay the Judge’s order, Legislators call upon management to respect Alaskan workers and obey the rule of federal law.