Fairbanks: Sen. Kawasaki- Hope for Schools, Budget Troubles, Polaris & More!

April 8, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

The 33rd Alaska Legislature is in the remaining 35 days of the second 120-day session. At the end of this session, all bills will ‘die’ and legislators will go back to their home districts. All 40 members of the State House and 10 of the 20 members of the State Senate are ‘up’ for election and some have already stated their intentions to run again or not seek reelection.

The last 35 days always become more tense as the pace quickens and floor session become lengthier. Also, bills of significance start to emerge from the House and Senate which may contain controversy or challenging odds. There is also the potential for the Governor to veto bills or even budget items through direct line-item as prescribed in the State Constitution.

I try to keep folks updated weekly through the e-newsletter and also various social media platforms, though you can and should call if you have any questions at all. Read more about the budget, education, energy and economy in this update from Juneau!

The Budget is Being Debated

Of the many things that occur during legislative session, the one thing that the House and Senate are required to do is pass the operating and capital budgets for the upcoming year. The budget currently has around 100 amendments that are expected to be debated throughout the remainder of this week. Recently, the House Finance Committee has been debating issues such as child care, statehood defense, commercial fisheries, tourism—the list continues.

While many of the proposed amendments have failed, some have been successful, such as an amendment proposed by Rep. Julie Coulombe (R-Anchorage) that boosts child care funding by $7.5 million. This boost will be vital in allowing child care agencies to stay open and to increase the average wage of Alaska child care workers, which currently sits at $14.18 per hour. The budget has passed out of House Finance and awaits a vote on the House Floor.

Closing Schools and Optimism for Schools

On March 19, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District School Board voted twice to close Ben Eielson Junior-Senior High School with some opposition. Also on the agenda was a vote on whether to close Ticasuk Brown Elementary School, which will not be closing at this time. While the closure of Ben Eielson is upsetting and unfavorable to families living on Eielson Air Force Base, there is hope regarding education funding. The veto of the omnibus compromise education bill was a setback to our school board and our kids.

The legislature will use the remaining time to consider other legislation in addition to the increase to the Base Student Allowance or BSA.

The Polaris Building is (almost) Coming Down!

The Polaris Building of downtown Fairbanks is the tallest building and was once known as a crown jewel of the city. Built in 1952, the Polaris Building has deteriorated to the point where it is uninhabitable and hazardous to the public and is a detractor to downtown revitalization. The demolition project is now expected to cost more than estimated due to the recent discovery of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in paint covering the structure. Additionally, the presence of mold, pigeon waste and asbestos makes the destruction of this building dangerous and requires coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency. The presence of PCBs requires that the materials be shipped down to the Lower 48 for proper disposal.

As a young City Councilman, Representative and now Senator I’m thrilled to see the building finally scheduled for demolition. It wasn’t easy, but after years of careful planning and funding through federal and state sources thanks to Senator Lisa Murkowski and the Interior Delegation, the city will soon have a vacant lot – and a new area for a downtown facility, housing, restaurants and public accommodations! I was able to join this past Friday with other members of the planning and demolition crew and hear a brief history of Polaris one last time. Check out the video HERE.

Move More!

April is Move More Month. Research from the American Heart Association shows that walking at a lively pace for at least 150 minutes a week can help reduce the risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Alongside this, walking is the most versatile form of exercise as it is accessible to most and something many of us do every day. Not only that, but it can improve mental and emotional well-being, improve blood pressure and help you sleep better.

Festival of Native Arts: 50 Years of Celebrating Alaska Native Culture

This past February, the University of Alaska Fairbanks held the 50^th Festival of Native Arts, one of the university's famous traditions. This year’s theme was “Troth Yeddha’ Forever: Our Ways of Life.” The UAF campus sits on Troth Yeddha’, or “wild potato ridge,” in the ancestral lands of the Lower Tanana Dene’. This theme was selected as a tribute to those that stewarded this land before the establishment of the University and to recognize the rich cultures and spirit of Alaska Native peoples that gather at the festival each and every year. I have sponsored a Legislative Citation that honors this monumental milestone for the Alaska Native, Fairbanks and University communities and I presented it to them last weekend.

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,