I'm Juneau with a New Senate Majority Fairbanks

January 27, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your holiday season was an enjoyable and relaxing time with friends, family and loved ones. With the new year comes new opportunities and a new legislative session. For one, my office has been transitioning down to Juneau. Another would be Senate District P, our Senate District (formerly Dist. A) will have two new members serving in the State House. Meanwhile, Governor Mike Dunleavy broadcasted his State of the State this Monday, proclaiming a hopeful vision of the next 50 years in Alaska, though many initiatives lacked specifics. His budget may reveal more about what’s in store. In late November a new bipartisan Alaskan Senate Majority Caucus was formed and the 33^rd Legislature convened on January 17. The House organized later in the week after a tumultuous, rumor-filled week of conversations. Read on to dig a little deeper into the upcoming legislative session.

Moving Time

As mentioned above, my office has moved back to Juneau for the legislative session. This move is always a bit of a transition. During these first few weeks, we will still be working for you but we might be a bit slow to respond as we get settled in. The best way to contact my office is still to email me at Senator.Scott.Kawasaki@akleg.gov and you are more than welcome to call me any time at 907-456-7423. I look forward to continuing to serve you this legislature so please stay in touch on issues important to you and your family.

The legislators for District P. From left to right: Rep. Maxine Dibert, Sen. Scott Kawasaki, Rep. Will Stapp

The Governor's Budget

Back on December 15 Governor Dunleavy released his FY 2024 Budget. While it is a far cry from his first budget, there are some glaring issues that I look forward to addressing with my colleagues. I have always said that a budget is more than just dollars and cents, it is a moral document that speaks to our priorities as policymakers. With this in mind, here are some of the highlights from the Governors requested budget.

· A PFD of nearly $4000 per eligible Alaskan

· Flat funded education

· Flat funded Alaska Marine Highway

· A $200 million Capital Budget which leverages $1.7 billion in federal dollars.

· A $17 million CUT to the University of Alaska

· $11 million for so-called “statehood defense”

I like certain parts of this budget, like investments in public safety. I am, however, troubled that the Governor is again attacking the University with budget cuts, and flat funding education, which in times of high inflation is essentially a significant budget cut. I am also troubled by the fact that the budget is balanced using our quickly depleting savings accounts. The budget is just the Governor’s recommendation and is not the final product. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve this budget where necessary.

Senator Kawasaki speaking on the Senate Floor last year during budget deliberation

A New Senate Majority

I am proud to be a member of this diverse group of nine Democrats and eight Republicans who put Alaska ahead of partisan politics. In this new Senate Majority, I am going to be Chairing two committees, the State Affairs Committee, and the Joint Armed Services Committee.

Both committees are important for different reasons. Much of the legislation introduced goes though State Affairs so I look forward to being an advocate for good public policy and fighting for issues important to you and your family.

The military is an integral component of our interior community and I have long advocated for our service persons and their families. I look forward to continuing advocating for our service persons as the Chair of the Joint Armed Services Committee.

As the new bipartisan Senate Majority begins its work, please reach out to me and my colleagues with your ideas. Also stay up-to-date with what’s going on by following our Facebook (@AKSenateMajority) and our Twitter (@alaska_senate). Alaska has big issues to tackle and I look forward to working with my bipartisan colleagues in the Senate Majority to deal with these issues.

Senate Majority Caucus Logo

House Republican Majority Forms New Bipartisan Coalition

The new House majority includes 23 of the House’s 40 members: 19 Republicans, two independents and two Democrats.

The chairmen and chairwomen of the 11 committees in the House hold a powerful role in guiding the flow of bills through the Legislature. Other assignments included Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, to chair the House Judiciary Committee and Rep. Mike Prax, R-North Pole, as chair of the Health and Social Services Committee.

My Staff and I are Here for You

Now that my staff and I are in Juneau, we are still working for you. Feel free to contact my office and we will assist you with issues important to you and your family.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,