Fairbanks: Education is in the Governors Court, DST on the Horizon & More!

February 29, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Today is Day 45 of the 120-day legislative session convened in the State Capitol in Juneau. Legislators are preparing for debate and discussion on the only ‘constitutionally’-required items which is the operating and capital budget. My legislative office has also been busy with bills that folks in Fairbanks have requested and they are slowly moving through committees to completion. The bill to put weight restrictions and permits was submitted to address the proposed ore truck hauling proposals and the need to maintain our public road conditions. Another bill related to putting Alaska on Permanent Standard Time will be heard in the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee next week. To hear more about my personal legislation, the education bill that is awaiting the signature of the Governor and another upcoming chance to meet in person, check out my e-newsletter below.

Education Bill Overwhelmingly Passes -- Governor to Decide Signature

I was excited to report last week that the Legislature came together in the first 40 days to pass an education package in SB140. The education ‘omnibus’ bill was not what everyone wanted, but it was an important compromise bill that passed 56-3 and included a permanent, sustainable and significant increase to public education, charter school appeals language, Alaska Reads Act funding for K-3 kids, transportation bussing funding, a large increase to homeschools/correspondence and allowed for access to $90 million in federal broadband assistance. It is a package that averts many layoffs and school closures and allows other issues like the cost of energy, the environment and the economy take center stage in the remainder of the session.

The Governor yesterday announced that he would veto the bill if he does not get some other legislation passed in the next two weeks. Even on an accelerated time line that would increase the likelihood of costly mistakes and decrease the amount of public testimony which has largely been in opposition of items like direct payments to teachers or charter school changes. The overwhelming majority of affirmative education votes should be an indication of support of a veto-override in the slim chance he ignores the will of the legislative branch. However, it is important that you reach Governor Dunleavy first and ask him to sign the education support bill and then contact your legislators to support an override if Governor Dunleavy vetoes the bill.

To reach Governor Dunleavy: https://aws.state.ak.us/CrmForms/Home/Feedback

To find your Legislators: https://pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/

Truckers and Miners Come to the Capitol

The Alaska Truckers Association, the Resource Development Council, the Alaska Miners Association and the Alaska Metal Mines were in town this week to consult with lawmakers. Fairbanks was founded in part due to our large mineral resources over 100 years ago. Mining and mineral extraction continues to be a major industry for Fairbanks which include jobs at active mines like Fort Knox Mine and Pogo and even hundreds of small businesses mining claims across the Tanana Valley.

SB 218, a bill I introduced with Rep. Ashley Carrick, addresses some of the concerns that my office has heard over the summer regarding the Manh Choh Ore Hauling project. The mine is located over 250 miles down the Richardson Corridor and then through Tok near the small, remote village of Tetlin on the Alaska-Canada Highway. The proposal has received a lot of attention as the process will be to remove semi-processed ore from the mining development, ship it via long combination truck and then use existing refining equipment at the Fort Knox Mine. On the one hand, the project is simple because it utilizes and prolongs the life of the existing infrastructure in Fairbanks, does not require new mine tailings ponds in environmentally sensitive areas and also calls for new, permanent jobs. Concerns like safety, noise, air pollution, traffic and road damage have also been noted. The bill would essentially codify existing language to ensure that trucks of a certain heavy weight would require a permit issued by the Department of Transportation. These larger and heavier trucks that cause excess damage to roadways would also bear more of the costs of maintenance and upkeep of roads. The public should not be saddled with exorbitant costs, especially from a limited state budget.

Legislative Town Hall Announcements

Representative Maxine Dibert and I decided to host another town hall meeting, specifically to address the budget. The operating budget for education, police and fire protection, health care and road maintenance and construction come to the House floor sometime in mid-March before it comes to the Senate for consideration. Details about the town hall meeting, multiple coffee chats and open office hours are forthcoming, but I wanted you to save the date on Friday, March 8^th and Saturday, March 9^th for events. See you all in Fairbanks!

Time to Spring Forward, One Last Time!

The US has utilized Daylight Saving Time since World War I, but the concept has possibly been around in even ancient times. During wartime, the use of DST was to save energy and give a competitive edge to those countries, including the US. In World War II, DST was established and in force continuously but wasn’t a permanent or uniform rule until the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Since that time, it has not proven to save as much energy as previously thought and instead, has become a bit of a hassle for analog clock users and the public at large.

A bill that I introduced by request would establish Permanent Standard Time, or the natural time defined by the sun, in Alaska which would eliminate the practice of clock changes twice per year. At least 21 states and many communities have either opted out of Daylight Saving Time or accepted Permanent Standard Time as law. There are data to show that adoption of permanent standard time has positive effects on health, mood, education, productivity and safety which changing a clock twice a year has an overall negative effect.

SB 184 will be heard in the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee on Tuesday, March 5th at 1:30pm. If you would like to make comments on the bill or Permanent Standard Time, please send an email at sen.scott.kawasaki@akleg.gov.

Ice Art Championship

The World Ice Art Championships are happening Fairbanks’ own Tanana Valley Fairgrounds! The greatest ice sculptors from around the world have been hard at work this week chiseling their blocks into magnificent, multi-colored sculptures. You can learn more about the activities and buy tickets here: Ice Alaska

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff are 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,