Fairbanks: Sen. Kawasaki Interim Week 27: Post Election Update, Veterans Day and More!

November 12, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Elections have finally ended (woohoo!) and though many results are still being tabulated, it is time to breathe a sigh of relief and recommit ourselves to the real hard work – delivering results for the over 730,000 people who call Alaska home.

I’d like to congratulate President-Elect Donald Trump on his win, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris on both a well-fought race and all the work she and President Joe Biden have done over the past four years. Though the future remains uncertain, I am sure that if we continue to commit ourselves to advocating and representing the interests of all our fellow Americans, we can expect good things to come. In this issue of the E-news, I will go over local election results and what they mean for the state moving forward, Veterans Day, local events and much more.

Digging Into Election Results

Senator Kawasaki Watching Ballots Being Processed

Before we talk about elections, it is important to note that many races (including mine) are still too close to call. Over the next two weeks, votes from early, absentee and overseas ballots will continue to flow in with the final election results required to be certified by next Wednesday, November 20^th. This isn’t factoring in potential recounts, which could extend the process even longer! With this in mind, it is important to remember that much of the information you hear from me or others is subject to change.

One thing we do know is that Ballot Measure 1, which puts into place an immediate minimum wage increase, future minimum wage increases and guaranteed sick leave, appears to have passed by a comfortable margin. The fate of Ballot Measure 2, which would repeal Alaska’s Ranked-Choice Voting system and Open Primary, is a lot more uncertain, with the “Yes” vote coming out on top by just over a percent, something that could easily change as more votes are tallied.

When it comes to the Federal House race, Nick Begich (R) currently leads Representative Mary Peltola (D) by around 5%, a lead that while hefty is not insurmountable, especially considering we are likely to go to another round where those who voted for the bottom two candidates, John Wayne Howe (R) and Eric Hafner (D), get their second choices tabulated. Whoever comes out on top, I am excited to work with them to advocate for Alaskan policies that put the needs of the 49^th state first.

New Politicians, New Coalitions!

Senator Kawasaki Discussing Legislation with Colleagues on the Senate Floor

With the arrival of new voices to the Legislature comes a repositioning of who will be sitting in the majority as we begin the 34^th Alaska Legislature. As with the elections, a lot is still in flux and subject to change as final results are tallied and negotiations continue, so stay tuned for more up-to-date information in the coming weeks.

On the Senate side of things, it appears that the Bipartisan Senate Majority will continue more-or-less as it did last session, with most leadership positions remaining exactly the same. I am overjoyed that my colleagues will be able to continue working together like we did in the last Legislature to deliver results for all Alaskans. It is vital that we continue to reach across the aisle to deliver results for everyone, not just those in a particular political party or who have voted for us. I think Alaskans had that in mind when they cast their votes this election.

In other exciting news, it appears that the House is also organizing into a Bipartisan Coalition! Though this won’t be the first time it has done so, it will be the first time in Alaskan history that both chambers of the Alaska Legislature will hold largely bipartisan majorities at the same time. Though nothing is set in stone, both proposed majorities have put forward platforms committed to improving our education system and supporting the workers who keep this state running. These are the types of goals we should be focusing on as a state, and I am very excited to see what we can deliver together over the next two years.

New Warming Center Secured!

The New Warming Center is Set to Open Its Doors This December

Fairbanks HopeLink, a nonprofit that runs a warming shelter during the winter months, has secured a new location in the downtown area. The new shelter, which is located on 7^th Ave at the Edna Wise Firehouse studio (formerly Goldies), is equipped to hold at least 30 people at a time, more than double the number their other location could hold.

Unlike other shelters that have requirements to be used by those in need, HopeLink’s locations are open to anyone who needs a safe space out of the cold in a ‘low-barrier’ setting. Starting in December, the new location will be open 7 days a week from 11 pm – 7 am and provide warm drinks and counseling to occupants.

I am grateful that we have such a kind and active group active here in Fairbanks. Nobody deserves to be forced out into the cold. Living in a place as harsh as the Interior, we must often come together to make our community livable. I have seen it happen time-and-time again here in Fairbanks, and I believe it's one of the reasons why we are known as Alaska’s Golden Heart City! For more information about the new Warming Center and Fairbanks HopeLink’s operation, check out this Newsminer article.

Thank You to Our Veterans

The Event was Full of Fairbanksans Showing Their Pride and Gratitude for Our Veterans

You often hear the phrase, “Freedom isn’t free,” around days like this and it is a phrase that can feel like a cliche, but when I attended the Veterans Day ceremony at the Westmark during this federal holiday, I couldn’t help but think about what my freedom cost to the servicemen and their family members in that room. The years that these families lost being together because one of their members was overseas fighting a war and the loss of health, both mental and physical, that combat inflicts upon a soldier are just a few of the sacrifices made by our military community. I was honored to be a part of recognizing these individuals.

The Westmark was packed with people as Gen. Tom Burke of the 11th Airborne Division and Col. Paul Townsend of the 354th Fighter Wing recognized our veterans with heartfelt speeches. It is of note that the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Alaska have one of the of the largest populations of veterans per capita in the nation. With so many veterans in our community, it is vital to recognize the cost they paid during their service to our country and to think about what we can do to take care of them now that they are home.

As the Chairman of the Joint Armed Services Committee, it is my duty to ensure that our veterans are treated with the respect they deserve. I’ve worked to make sure that veterans have easy access to all the benefits they earned. I also continue to advocate for our local veterans in Juneau whenever important legislation affecting them come across the floor. Being in that room this Veterans Day only reaffirmed my dedication to the people who have braved bombs, bullets and other threats to ensure our democratic process survives for future generations to enjoy.

Fairbanks Celebrates National Recycling Day

Senator Kawasaki and Senator Lòki Gale Tobin (D-Anchorage) at a Recycling Event

This Friday, November 15th, is National Recycling Day, and the Central Recycling Facility is offering tours from 10:30 am-3:30 pm so you can learn all about what it takes to process all of Fairbanks' recyclables.

Our local recycling center does more than recycle goods: it recycles people as well! This center is staffed almost exclusively by individuals who have been through the prison system and want to become productive citizens. While these hard workers are processing our recyclables, they are also learning both hard and soft job skills so they may reenter the work force. Hard skills include learning how to handle a fork-lift while soft skills include customer service and time management.

I hope that those who turn out for a tour can learn more about the recycling infrastructure we have on-hand here in Fairbanks and better appreciate the individuals who are committed to keeping our community clean and sustainable. Head on down to 1855 Marika Avenue for your tour or, if you have a large group, call (907) 374-6616 to make sure they can accommodate you.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, my staff and I 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,