Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Alaska State Budget Process
With two days left of the 27th Legislative Session, there are a handful of items left to finish. By Constitution, the only obligation of the State Legislature is to pass the state budget. Every year the budget gets wrapped up in the ongoing debate on oil and gas taxes and this year is no different.
Over the next two days there are bound to be several changes to the budget and movement on several important bills. I will try to keep you posted if there are any significant changes that affect you as Fairbanks residents.
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NEWS: House Democrats Mourn the Loss of Representative Carl Gatto
JUNEAU – Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in response to the passing of Representative Carl Gatto:
“We are truly saddened by the loss of Representative Carl Gatto. Carl’s friendship went beyond politics. He was an intelligent man who loved doing the people’s work in the Legislature. He never let passions over an issue interfere with his genuine respect for and kindness to his colleagues, constituents and anyone he came in contact with. We will miss his smile, kindness and humor, and our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy, his family and all who are mourning his loss today.”
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House Democrats Optimistic About Big Gasline Announcement
“It’s very encouraging to see new focus on the line that gets the most for Alaska”
JUNEAU - Today, House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula released the following statement in response to the announcement about a large-scale gas pipeline from the North Slope:
“It is very encouraging to see new focus on a big gas pipeline from the North Slope and the potential for an All-Alaska line. A big export line gets the most for Alaska - new incentives to develop on the North Slope, the cheapest gas for Alaskans, and the best opportunity to create opportunities for generations of Alaskans. We look forward to working with industry, the governor and other members of the Legislature to make this long-time Alaska dream a reality.”
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: A Fast-Moving Update on Bills on the Go
Simply put, there are a lot of bills moving and very few weeks left of session. Through extended committee meetings and late night floor sessions, bills are flying through committees, sometimes taking on an ever-so-different look than when they were originally introduced. Here are a few of the more prevalent bills gaining attention around the building and throughout communities statewide to keep you up-to-date. These are important bills that align with the priorities I have worked on this session: Education, Energy, and the Economy.
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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.”
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