Fairbanks: Spring time in Juneau, Public Testimony, and more!

March 21, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

Monday was the first day of spring and we are certainly seeing that here in Juneau. The committees are beginning to heat up, the budget is on track to pass in the following week and transfer to the Senate, public testimony is being taken on a wide array of legislation.

Is the Budget Too Big, Too Small or Just About Right?

How to call in and testify

Last week, the House Finance committee reviewed the budget closeout reports from each state department. The finance subcommittees are tasked with reviewing budgets and making budgetary recommendations. Notably, this year, of the 19 state agencies or departments, only six were changed from the initial budget proposed by Governor Dunleavy and none had any significant cuts or additions. Subcommittee recommendations are used to create a House Finance-sponsored committee substitute for the budget. The House committee substitute for the FY24 operating budget (House Bill 39/House Bill 41) is anticipated to be released this week.

In the meantime, the House Finance Committee will consider public testimony on the bills. Fairbanksans can testify Wednesday, March 22 from 1:30-3:30.

Testifiers can visit their local Legislative Information Offices or call in:

Anywhere: (844) 586-9085
Anchorage: (907) 563-9085
Juneau: (907) 586-9085

Visit the Alaska Legislature website for information on how to provide public testimony.

Public Testimony on a Retirement Alaskans Can Depend On.

Senator Kawasaki on the Senate Floor

Did you know that the 401k system would provide retirees 8% less per average than the defined contribution plan? After 17 years and several Republican administrations demanding some changes to retain employees, the Legislature finally has a bill that could pass the Senate.

Want to weigh in on SB 88 which switches retirement from defined contribution to defined benefit pension? Today’s your chance! SB 88 will have a public testimony in the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee again Wednesday, March 22, at 1:30pm.

To call in, look at the list below with different numbers depending on location.

· Juneau: 907-586-9085

· Anchorage: 907-563-9085

· All other locations: 844-586-9085

To stream the hearing go to https://www.ktoo.org/gavel/

A New Spring Revenue Forecast – How Much Does Alaska Bank a Year?

The Spring Revenue Forecast will be discussed live by the Governor and the Department of Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum today, March 21, at 3:00pm. The Spring Revenue Forecast is expected to become publicly available around 3:00pm as well on the Department of Revenue website. With lower oil prices, unpredictability in the stock market and global uncertainty, it is important to approach the fiscal year budget with caution so that Alaskans can have a stable and predictable path forward and a balanced budget.

Click here for the YouTube livestream.

Alaska Children’s Trust Tier 1 Grant Application

A picture of Sen. Kawasaki inspecting a fire engine

The Fairbanks Wildland Firefighter Response Facility and Wildland Support Warehouse are both over 60 years old. These facilities are no longer capable of supporting wildland firefighters. Thankfully, the Division of Forestry is applying for federal money to rebuild this much needed facility. Last week, the Interior Delegation sent out a letter of support for this project.

Funding a new wildland fire facility and warehouse will allow for quick deployment of firefighters, provide a training space for Alaskan rural fire crew and store and deliver critical supplies to support firefighting operations across the state.

FREE Pop-Up Health Clinic -- Get Healthy!

The Mountain View Lions Club and Remote Area Medical are partnering to offer a free pop-up clinic at Ryan Middle School (1450 Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701) from April 22 at 6am until April 23 at 2pm. Remote Area Medical is providing a tractor trailer of medical equipment and supplies, expert administrative and volunteer coordination, a pool of volunteer medical professionals, and is ensuring full logistical support for the pop-up clinics at no cost to Alaskans.

The two-day event will provide hundreds of Alaskans with free, proactive health care services (dental, vision, mental, medical) so they can get help now with undiagnosed, debilitating, or life-threatening health issues, regardless of ability to pay. With a current glasses’ prescription, you can get free glasses made with the lens lab on site. Patient parking is offered at the Ryan Middle School parking lot, where people can start lining up in the parking spots on Friday evening. View the event link for more details.

The Pride of Fairbanks - USA Today’s Woman of the Year Honoree

USA Today's Woman of the Year Honoree, Quannah Chasinghorse

Let me congratulate my neighbor Quannah Chasinghorse for her amazing year. As a small-town woman, and Fairbanksan, she is making amazing strides. Not only is she a model but she is also an environmental and social movement activist. Adding to her accolades she is now one of USA Today’s woman of the year Honorees, she is quite the inspiration for people all over both the state and the world. Once again, congratulations to Quannah for such an amazing year!

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,