MARCH 21, 2015

Overtime Edition
My Priorities: Education, Gas, Jobs

Dear Fairbanks Neighbors,

The legislative session has moved into overtime to finalize the budget.  I am disappointed that we were not able to reach an agreement yet, but there is too much at stake to go home before the job is done.  At stake is whether the Legislature will adequately fund our schools, allow the Interior Energy Project to go forward, and pass Medicaid expansion and reform that Alaska’s business community has been championing with Governor Walker.

Going into extra time in Juneau

Cuts are Necessary

Alaska is facing a $3.5 billion budget deficit and I am confident that every legislator agrees that serious budget cuts are needed.  The governor introduced a budget with hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts to every part of government, and in Finance subcommittees legislators made deeper cuts most of which were not controversial.

Schools are Vital

Along with my Independent Democratic Coalition colleagues I voted for over millions in additional savings that the majority rejected.  The proposed elimination of all early childhood education programs and cuts to neighborhood schools would save less than that.  The issue is not whether to cut- the issue is what we prioritize.  For me that is making sure all students can get the education they need and finding necessary savings elsewhere.

We Need Gas in Fairbanks

Another top priority is to pass the Interior Energy Project bill.  We passed it out of the House last week 37-2, and it has advanced to the Senate floor for a final vote.  This bill will allow for using gas from Cook Inlet for this project which has the potential to be more affordable than North Slope gas.  Construction on the gas distribution system will be happening this summer, so it is important we pass the bill this year to keep the project on track.

My kids making a virtual visit to the Capitol this week

I hope you are enjoying the spring back home in Fairbanks.  I wish I could be back home with my family, but the job is too important not to stay as long as we need to do it right.  I hope I’ll be seeing you back home soon.

Sincerely,

Representative Adam Wool

P.S. The Senate passed my bill to expand this week Creamer's Field Refuge 20-0, it now goes to Governor Walker to sign. Thank you to Senator Click Bishop for carrying the bill through the Senate!