Fairbanks: Sen. Kawasaki- Heavy Haul Trucking, ALS, Prop A and More!

April 30, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislature is now in the final two weeks of session meaning many of the bills will either pass or fail abruptly. While I have passed much of my priority legislation to the House-which also has to vote on the bills-the budget remains the priority and the only item the Constitution mandates that we complete before the end of session. The budget is well on its way to passage with the different versions of the budget nearing finalization. The next part will be a ‘conference committee’ of Finance Leadership in the House and Senate meeting to decide on compromises between the two different budgets. I am catching you up on some details, and you can always contact the office directly as bills, priorities and budget items will change quickly in the final weeks.

Recognizing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Sen. Kawasaki with Brooke Lavendar: the Alaska Care Services Manager of the ALS association

SB 256 establishes May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) month. May is recognized Nationally as ALS month and this bill would codify the month in state law. By having a month dedicated to ALS, there is more awareness brought forward. I hope that someday soon there are cures readily available for those affected by ALS.

Next for Heavy Haul Trucking

Road damage and potholes in Fairbanks, Alaska.

At a time in which Alaskans all over the state are facing higher prices for food and fuel, it is crucial that we do not make this issue worse by introducing faulty legislation. When I introduced SB 218, I knew that it needed more work to ensure that Alaskans would not suffer from putting additional financial burdens on trucks full of necessary goods. I have introduced a Sponsor Substitute to exempt heavier trucks that carry food and refined fuel.

I introduced SB 218 after several months of discussion during the summer with neighbors around town. The bill will establish a highway maintenance permit system for a truck and trailer combination with a weight of 140,000 pounds or more. To obtain a permit for a vehicle to exceed the weight, the requestor must pay a fee issued by the Alaska State Department of Transportation. The purpose of these fees would be to offset the cost of routine road and bridge maintenance, snow removal and replacement. During a time when the budget for maintenance has been declining, our roads have received significant damage. Larger, heavier trucks have a greater impact on road surfaces than a typical mom in a mini-van and should therefore pay a larger price for a vehicle registration or permit.

Proposition A is the Plan B

Sen. Kawasaki Wearing an 'I Heart Schools Pin'

Two years ago, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District saw the closing of three schools. This year we face a similar fate with Ben Eielson Jr/Sr being slated to close at the conclusion of the school year. While there have been many efforts by the State Legislature to increase education funding, including raising the Base Student Allocation (BSA), those outcomes remain uncertain. Proposition A is a local government measure to raise the property tax cap to help offset the lack of state support for education. If the legislature fails to properly fund schools in the final two weeks, then Proposition A will ensure that there is money raised to keep schools open next year.

Early voting for the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s Proposition A started last Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Shopper’s Forum Mall at 1255 Airport Way. The early voting site will be open through May 2 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, Monday through Saturday. The Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Absentee in-person voting stations are open at Shopper’s Forum on May 3 and May 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional in-person absentee voter stations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through May 6 at the Borough Clerk’s office, 907 Terminal St. and at the North Pole City Clerk’s office, 125 Snowman Lane.

Education Uncertainty in the Last Two Weeks

Sen. Kawasaki & Rep. DeLena Johnson speaking to Academy Charter Students

The legislature has been dealing with the regular school funding issues in the budget as we do every year. As you may know, the legislature passed a bipartisan, bicameral education funding bill within the first few weeks of the legislative session. That bill, SB 140, included everything from charter school support, to a sizeable, sustainable and permanent increase to the base student allocation funding to districts to prevent school closures, increased homeschool support, help for the Alaska Reads Act for pre-K and federal funding for broadband at schools. The bill passed 56-3 and then was vetoed by Governor Dunleavy. The legislature came back a few days later to override the veto, however many votes changed and the veto override failed by just one vote-meaning education funding and uncertainty remained.

Recently, a Superior Court ruling, struck down several provisions in law regarding homeschool allotments and reimbursements as unconstitutional. The ruling is going to be appealed and possibly stayed-but it is still unclear how schools and families who rely on homeschool should continue. Bills in both the House and Senate would put us in firm constitutional footing by putting homeschool regulations back to the way they were until Republican Governor Palin and Parnell. The bills will have hearings and the legislature will continue until the last day of session to give some clarity for parents, kids, teachers, school districts and the state. I appreciate that kids in Alaska have many ways to learn whether it be through neighborhood public schools, private schools, public charter schools, homeschools, online academies or even boarding schools like Mt. Edgecumbe.

Alaskans Deserve the Best Teachers and Firefighters

Sen. Kawasaki & Rep. Dibert with Firefighters from Fairbanks, Rallying in Support of SB 88

Last week we saw firefighters, teachers, cops and public workers from all over the state gathered in front of the Capitol to urge the House State Affairs Committee to hear the Defined Benefits Bill, SB 88. SB 88 would create a new retirement system for public employees to keep in pace with every other state in the union. Part of the problem with these public sector jobs is they no longer pay above average wages and public employees do not benefit from social security. Without benefits or pay, recruitment of new firefighters, teachers and cops becomes difficult and many only stay for a few years of training before they move to a higher salary and better benefits in other states.

'2-1-1' is the Place for Information Alaskans Need to Know!

2-1-1 Graphic

Have you ever been unsure of where to get help or resources? While calling into my office is always an option, Alaska 2-1-1 is another! Alaska 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that connects people to vital community, health and social services provided by a range of nonprofit, governmental and tribal agencies.

Alaska 2-1-1 can help with a wide variety of issues including healthcare navigation. Alaska 2-1-1s healthcare navigators can help with impending or recent loss of Medicaid coverage. They’re very knowledgeable about the health insurance marketplace and can help Alaskans no matter where they live in the state. Healthcare navigators provide free unbiased help to explore affordable coverage options and any tax credits or cost savings for which people may qualify.

You can reach Alaska 2-1-1 by dialing 211 or 800-478-2221. Their call center is open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1:00 PM. Look below for more ways to reach them.

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,