Fairbanks: Committees Moving, Asian Appreciation, Easter and More!

April 6, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

Lawmakers are on day 78 out of 120 meaning there is only 42 days remaining! There are many things to look forward to at this point in session. Easter is coming up which brings many events in Fairbanks, including a Legislative Townhall with me and Representative Maxine Dibert! The budget is nearly passed in the State House before it comes to me in the Senate. Bills continue to move through public testimony and committees and some are already signed this year! In this Juneau Update read about what has been happening in the Senate State Affairs committee, the Legislative Townhall this weekend, events and more!

State Affairs Committee Meeting

Committees Learning and Moving Legislation

In the committee I chair, the Senate State Affairs Committee, we ‘moved’ two bills out last week. Senator Tobin’s SB 46 and Senator Claman’s SB 28.

SB 46 is a bill to establish the month of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. It is estimated that 3.2 to 5 million Americans live with long-term disabilities due to brain injuries. Alaska has one of the highest rates of traumatic brain injuries in the nation. The Department of Defense reports that over 430,000 service members have sustained traumatic brain injuries since 2000. By designating March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Alaska more public awareness will be brought to this issue. With an increased awareness to the dangers of brain injuries, there is a potential for future brain injuries to be prevented.

SB 28 relates to workplace violence protective orders. SB 28 is modeled after the state domestic violence protective order process and would allow an employee to file a petition for a protective order against an individual who the employer reasonably believes committed an act of violence against the employer or employee. The intent of this bill is to help prevent incidents such as the fatal shooting of a hospital employee by an ex-employee at a Soldotna hospital in 2008.

Representative Maxine Dibert talking to Senator Kawasaki

Coming Home to Fairbanks, an Easter Miracle!

This weekend I will be back in Fairbanks with my democratic colleague Representative Maxine Dibert for a Legislative Town Hall event! Saturday, April 8 starting at 1:00pm we will be at the Fairbanks LIO 1292 Sadler Way on the 3^rd floor!

We will be there to take questions, comments, and concerns about Fairbanks and Alaska in general. Refreshments will be provided.

Senator Kawasaki Celebrates Easter in Fairbanks

Local Easter Fun and the Beginning of Springtime!

Before the Legislative Town Hall, there will be a Kid’s Easter Egg ‘Run’ hosted by Frosty Feet Running Company. Kids 12 and under get a chance to search through the snow piles of Chena Pump parking lot for plastic eggs filled with prizes! The event is FREE. Registration starts on April 8^th at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am start.

The Fairbanks Children’s Museum is hosting an Easter event on Sunday April 9^th at 12:00pm! There will be themed crafts and activities, prizes and the Easter Bunny will be present! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here please remember to buy tickets for both adults AND children who’re participating. Members can play free using code EASTERMEMBER at checkout.

A free Youth Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Fairbanks VFW Post #3629 will happen April 9^th at 11:30 am. Lunch will be provided as well as dessert and candy. All youth are welcome with a maximum limit of 25. Please call 907-451-8810 to register. A Parent/Guardian must accompany all youth.

Anchorage Asian Cultural Night Presentation

Senators Tobin (Anchorage) and Kawasaki, and Representative Mina (Anchorage); An Asian Cultural Night Performance

I went up to Anchorage for the Asian Cultural Night hosted by the Consulate of the Republic of Korea of Anchorage and the Asian Alaskan Cultural Center. Senator Tobin and Representative Mina accompanied me to the event where we presented HJR6 which recognizes the long friendship between Alaska and South Korea and celebrates the 70^th year of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Check out the amazing video performance of Gugakdan Sorigae/Samulnori Molgae on my YouTube channel HERE!

Arctic Encounters bring World Leaders to Alaska!

I was invited to join Arctic Encounters group on an excursion to the Arctic over the weekend. The Arctic Encounters Symposium is the largest annual Arctic policy event in the United States and appropriately founded in Alaska in 2013 by Rachel Kallander who serves as the Executive Director and was born and raised in Cordova. Hundreds of participants from all over the world confront shared interests and concerns of the Arctic with leaders and innovators in science, technology, maritime and energy sectors to create and enhance collaboration.

The group was to fly up to Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay and then to Utqiagvik on Saturday to learn more about the farthest north city in America. As sometimes happens, the weather had different plans and Utqiagvik was fogged in and we were unable to land. It did allow leaders in industry, government and non-governmental organizations to meet and speak with one another on a very crowded flight over the vast state and make necessary connections and ‘brag’ about Alaska and all we have to offer.

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,