Fairbanks: Sen. Kawasaki - Important Bills and Vetoes, Local Elections and More!

September 19, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

With fall in full swing, we are all working very hard to prepare for the coming winter. If you ever need any assistance with issues you are dealing with around Fairbanks and the Interior, as always I urge you to call my office and I will be more than happy to assist you in any way we can. I am also very busy at the moment making sure our community stays up and running and that all the changes we made this last session are being implemented well, some of which I will sharing with you in today's E-News! In this edition, I will discuss some of the Governor's vetoes as well as bills that passed, school traffic safety, local elections and more, so keep reading to hear about these important topics.

Important Bills, Passed and Vetoed

Senator Kawasaki Speaking on the Senate Floor

This month the Governor vetoed HB17, a bill sponsored by Representative Ashley Carrick (D - Fairbanks) that would have expanded birth control access to those who need it most. The bipartisan bill, which I voted for, would have assured that individuals have access to a 12-month prescription of birth control rather than the current three month maximum allowed under most Alaska insurance policies. This bill was especially important for rural Alaskans who lack easy access to contraceptives and currently must make at least 4 expensive trips into the city to ensure they have the healthcare they need year-round. The Governor cited that requiring insurance companies to provide mandatory coverage for a year was “bad policy,” even though the bill had NO opposition from insurance companies on its passage through congress. All said, this is a sad loss for Alaskans on what should be (and is) a bipartisan issue.

The Governor also recently vetoed HB88, a bill sponsored by Representative George Rauscher (R - Sutton) which would have set limits on how warehouse businesses like Amazon can treat their workers. This bill, which also passed with bipartisan support, would have ensured companies could not infringe on workers’ rights to take bathroom breaks and allow them to have access to their work performance data. This bill is extremely important, as Amazon has begun opening warehouses across Alaska, including an up-and-coming one right here in Fairbanks. It’s a shame that bipartisan issues like protecting workers’ right to dignity are being rejected by this administration when they are supported overwhelmingly by Alaskans.

In terms of bills that did pass, two bills that I sponsored ended up passing into law as separate bills this summer. One, an extension of the Senior Benefits program which provides cash benefits to seniors living in poverty, ended up passing in Senator Kaufman’s (R - Anchorage) bill at the end of session. We now don’t have to worry about renewing these vital payments until the new expiration date comes up in 2034.

The other, the establishment of a Military and Veterans Help Desk to help military personnel and their families that I worked on with Representative Cliff Groh (D - Anchorage) ended up passing in Senator Bill Wielechowski's (D - Anchorage) bill, SB154. This new resource will help military personnel and veterans get the resources they need while making it easier for military families who move around a lot to settle in our great state.

When we Alaskans work together, we get things done for those who need it most. I’m proud to have worked together with my colleagues on all these important bills and hope to continue working across the aisle in the future.

Staying Safe in Our School Zones

The Pedestrian Crossing Outside Tanana Middle School, Where a Young Girl was Hit by a Reckless Driver One Year Ago

We’re now a month into the school season, and I would like to take the time again to remind you to stay safe in our school zones. It bears repeating because our children’s safety cannot be understated. As the daylight hours dim going into winter, our children will increasingly be walking to and from school in the dark. Please take the time if you haven’t already to familiarize yourself with these safe driving habits, provided to you by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (with a few tips from my office as well).

Tips for Parents Driving Children to School

· Obey reduced speed limits—keep an eye out for signage indicating reduced speed in school zones.

· Check your car’s headlights – Over time, your vehicle’s headlights can dim due to several factors. Check to make sure your car’s headlights are clean of debris and are receiving the proper voltage

· Stop for school buses—buses tend to stop frequently. Please keep a safe distance to allow children time and space to board and disembark safely.

· No texting/phone use—distracted driving is never a smart idea!

· Watch for crosswalks—always yield to pedestrians when approaching a crosswalk. Children often are not as cautious about crossing the road as adults are.

· Follow parking rules—these rules designate specific zones for dropping off and picking up students to create a flow in traffic patterns and prevent accidents.

· Stay patient—school traffic can be hectic, but patience is necessary in preventing accidents. Plan your morning routine to allow extra time for delays.

· Set a positive example—children watch and learn from our behavior, so set an example they can follow!

Tips for Parents Whose Children Walk to School (All Ages)

· Teach children to look left, right and left again before crossing the street - Then remind them to continue looking until safely across.

· Give your child a reflective vest or belt – Though this may not be fashionable, they will be more visible during the dark winter.

· Teach your child to take out their headphones while crossing the street – Who doesn’t like listening to music while walking, but children need to stay vigilant and keep an ear out for traffic.

· Highlight the importance of crosswalks – Even if your child has to take a few extra steps, it is ALWAYS safer to use a crosswalk.

· Teach kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street – When significant eye contact is made, a driver will be less likely to speed through a crosswalk.

The Noyes Slough Bridge is Open for Business!

Senator Kawasaki Celebrating the Opening of the Noyes Slough Bridge on Sunday

I am happy to report that the Noyes Slough Bridge is once again open for business! I have been coordinating with Department of Transportation (DOT) Officials extensively over the lifetime of the project to ensure we were meeting expectations, and it is exciting to finally have a finished product to show for all their hard work. According to DOT officials, it will take at least 50 years before a new bridge will be needed, so enjoy it while it lasts!

As a resident of Aurora, I am excited and relieved to have my morning commute go back to normal. I have been thinking a lot about the old bridge and how scary it was to cross over as a kid. I realize the many months spent detouring through Danby were frustrating for many (me included), but it goes to show that though it may take government awhile to get things done, necessary renovations like these usually yield better results for our community.

I had the opportunity to help cut the ribbon this Sunday on the new bridge, and then break it in with some cool, old cars. I am happy that pedestrians, including our children, now have a much safer path in and out of the neighborhood, and am excited to continue delivering results like these to make our community safe enough to live, work, raise a family and retire.

Local Elections Have Begun!

Some Information from the Fairbanks North Star Borough on How and When to Vote

Early voting for the municipal elections for the Fairbanks North Star Borough, City of Fairbanks and the City of North Pole have officially begun. If you don’t want to wait until October 1^st to make your voice heard, then you can always head down to the Shopper’s Forum Mall on Airport Way to cast your vote early. For information on who is running for what, please follow this link which will take you to the 2024 Candidate Pamphlet. This pamphlet will tell you much of what you need to know about these municipal races including where the polling locations are for your district.

Traditionally, there is a low turnout for local elections due to several factors, including the news media giving more focus to the splashier and more dramatic federal elections. This is a shame since a vote in a municipal election can carry more weight than it would in a federal election. Municipal elections are often won by a handful of votes, meaning that your vote can truly affect the results!

Also, the workings of local government have more of an impact on a citizen’s daily life than the workings of the federal government. The politicians in D.C. do a lot for the country, but they do nothing to ensure that the roads in town stay plowed and free of potholes. Local infrastructure is the local government’s job, as is the maintenance of the police department and fire department. Not only that, but whoever wins these elections will also be involved in how property taxes are implemented, the running of the school board and the future development of the area.

It is important to exercise your democratic right to vote, not only in the federal elections, but the local elections as well. These local races may not be as flashy as the ones being reported on by CNN and Fox News, but the results will affect your day-to-day life. Take some time on October 1^st to head down to your local polling station to cast your vote for the people who live, work and love the Fairbanks/North Pole area.

The Last Tanana Valley Farmers’ Market

The Tanana Valley Farmers' Market Gives Local Entrepreneurs an Outlet to Sell their Wares

This Saturday is the last Tanana Valley Farmers’ Market of the season! I know I will be stopping by to get the last taste of the local produce before winter blows in, and I hope to see you there. The Market will be running from 9am to 4pm like always, so please help support local businesses and treat yourself to some handcrafted goodies.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff 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,