Fairbanks: Sen. Kawasaki Interim Update: Coalitions, Committees, Christmas Trees and More!

November 27, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Last Wednesday, the last of the votes were finally counted, and though a couple of races are set to go to a recount, for the most part things are settled.

I’d like to thank everyone who put their trust in me to continue representing them for the next four years. It has been the honor of my life to serve you in the legislature, and it is my goal to keep up the standard of service I have strived for over my career. I intend to represent all my constituents, whether they supported me or not.

I would also like to congratulate Representative-Elect Nick Begich III on his election to the US House of Representatives, as well as Representative Mary Peltola for all the great work she has done for Alaska. I expect to work hard alongside the Representative-Elect and our two Senators to ensure we can get done what needs to be done for Alaska.

In this edition of the E-News, I’ll be discussing what the new Senate will look like, the introduction of a new digital driver’s license program and several holiday events taking place in the community.

Election News and Committee Assignments

I'm Excited to Continue Serving as Your Local Fairbanks Senator!

With the last of the votes tallied and all but a few races fully decided, the shape of the 34th Legislature is coming into focus. In the Senate, all the races have been finalized and the Bipartisan Majority which has been in place since 2022 will retain control.

“This Senate Majority is built on bipartisanship, with an equal number of Republican and Democrat chairs, and is committed to crafting practical, balanced budgets that serve all Alaskans. At the end of the day, it’s about finding common ground and doing what’s right for our communities,” Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) said yesterday in a press release from the Senate Majority. That same press release outlined leadership positions as well as who will be chairing which committees in the upcoming session:

Senate President: Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak)

Majority Leader: Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)

Rules: Sen. Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage)

Majority Whip: Sen. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River)

Finance: Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka), Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel), Sen. Donny Olson (D-Golovin)

Legislative Budget and Audit: Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage)

Community & Regional Affairs: Sen. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River)

Education: Sen. Löki Gale Tobin (D-Anchorage) 

Health & Social Services: Sen. Forrest Dunbar (D-Anchorage)

Judiciary: Sen. Matt Claman (D-Anchorage)

Labor & Commerce: Sen. Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski)

Resources: Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)

State Affairs: Sen. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks)

Transportation: Sen. Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski)

Legislative Budget & Audit: Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage)

Legislative Council: Vice-Chair, Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak)

Joint Armed Services: Co-Chair, Sen. Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks)

Special Committee on World Trade: Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)

Special Committee on Arctic Affairs: Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), Sen. Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage)

I am very excited to continue serving as the Chair for State Affairs and Co-Chair of Joint Armed Services, where I have focused on delivering results for Fairbanks and our military community.

On the House side, a race or two may still go on to a recount, but it appears that the newly-organized House Bipartisan Majority has secured at least 21 seats, the minimum number for a majority.

I am very excited to see my Interior colleagues in some strong positions, including Representative Maxine Dibert (D-Fairbanks) as Co-Chair of both House Resources and Tribal Affairs and Representative Ashley Carrick (D-West Fairbanks) serving as the chair of House State Affairs and Co-Chair of Transportation. I have no doubt that they will continue the hard-work and diligence I have come to know them for and look forward to working alongside them in the coming session.

Electronic Driver's Licenses Coming Soon!

My Idea to Create Digital Driver's Licenses is Becoming a Reality!

Over the past several years, I have been advocating for the Alaska DMV to introduce a program giving Alaskan’s the opportunity to use a digital ID in addition to their physical license. The convenience of being able to have your license on your phone would be tremendously helpful to those who don’t want to carry a wallet or purse everywhere they go.

I carried a bill these past several sessions which would have given the Department of Administration the authority to create this program. Recently, however, the Department said they liked my idea and thought they could implement it without a bill! The Alaska DMV is planning to rollout this new program next month. With the world becoming more and more digitized, I am excited to take this step into the future and make things easier for Alaskans across the state.

Come Hang Out at the LIO Open House!

The LIO Open House is an Opportunity for You to Meet Us and Make Your Voice Heard

Can you believe another holiday season is upon us? After the craziness of election season, I know I am looking forward to drinking steaming hot chocolate with family and loved ones. One of the best things about this time of year is being able to slow down a bit to have meaningful, insightful conversations. On that note, I am so excited for the Holiday Open House happening at the Legislative Information Office Monday, December 9th from 4pm – 7pm.

I would like to personally invite all of you to this event! It is a great opportunity for the citizens of Fairbanks to meet their political representation as well as the legislative staff that support your local representatives. As the legislators prepare to head to Juneau for the legislative session, this is a perfect opportunity for you to have the ear of those who will be making decisions that will not only affect Alaska, but your day to day lives. Government doesn’t happen in a vacuum. As a policy maker, I am always looking for new and innovative ideas to make Fairbanks a better place to live and raise a family. This event is one of my favorites because it gives the constituents of Fairbanks the chance to express their thoughts to the individuals who have the power to make them happen. Our community runs better when all voices are heard. Plus, there will be holiday refreshments for all ages!

The Legislative Information Office is located on the third floor of the Global Credit Building at 1292 Sadler Way. No RSVP is required, just show up ready for some cookies and conversation. I hope to see you there ready to both celebrate the holidays and have productive conversations about the betterment of Fairbanks.

Buy Kiwanis Trees for a Good Cause

Chief of Staff Joe Hayes Helping Out at the Kiwanis Tree Sale

The Christmas tree debate is one that can cause many family headaches. Should you get a real or fake tree? If your family enjoys the authenticity of a tree that grew from the earth, where should you spend your money for that Douglas Fir? I, for one, enjoy having a tree I cut down myself but don’t always have the time with my busy schedule. That’s why I am so grateful for the Kiwanis Club of Fairbanks and their annual Christmas Tree sale!

Every year since 1959, Kiwanis has made buying a Christmas tree easy and pleasant. The sale starts this Saturday, November 30th at 10 am in the Kiwanis Building at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds. Not only do customers get their pick of beautiful Grand, Nordmann, Noble, and Douglas Firs, but all proceeds from this sale go back into our local community. Kiwanis is a volunteer organization whose mission is to benefit the Fairbanks neighborhood by building things people need and donating to charities. The staff of this event will be volunteers, which means all of the money you spend on a tree will be donated to nonprofits that benefit the community.

If you would like to get a great quality tree this season, head to the Tanana Fair Grounds! The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 5pm – 8 pm, Saturday 10 am – 8 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm. Skip the headache of the Christmas tree debate this year and give back to the community by getting a Kiwanis tree.

I'm Thankful for Fairbanks!

I Hope You All Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving, However You Choose to Celebrate

Thanksgiving is traditionally a family holiday, but let’s face it, several people in the Fairbanks area are adventurers who took on the challenges of Alaskan living while their family stayed down in the lower 48. It often isn’t cost-effective to travel for the holiday, so this time of the year can be a lonely one for many. Fortunately, Fairbanks takes care of its own and there are several events an individual lacking local family ties can participate in and enjoy.

If you don’t feel like cooking on Thanksgiving and dealing with the massive clean-up that can entail, you can go to Soba, the local Moldovan restaurant, for their Thanksgiving buffet. Skip the boring turkey dinner and instead opt for an international feast!

If you are looking for a Thanksgiving meal but don't have the means or funds to make it happen, the Fairbanks Community Food Bank has you covered. They will be handing out Thanksgiving Food Boxes at these local churches across the Fairbanks area:

• First Presbyterian Church, 547 Seventh Ave., Fairbanks, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1005 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole, noon to 2 p.m.

• Journey Christian Church, 1201 Hoselton Road, Fairbanks, contact the church at 907-455-4433 to order a box.

You can find out more about the Food Bank's event here. The Fairbanks Community Food Bank is an amazing organization which is always looking for more donations. Consider giving at their website so they can keep our community fed.

The day after Thanksgiving is full of fun events for those who want to enjoy their three-day weekend. UAF is putting on a “Let Us Be Thankful Concert” at the Regents Great Hall on the UAF campus at 6:30 pm featuring Steve Brown and the Bailers, a juggler, and the Fairbanks Community Jazz Band! For those who have a more competitive side, the Badger Den is putting on their 2nd Annual Turkey Wobble Dart Tournament! Sign up starts at 7:30 pm and the tournament officially start at 8 pm.

Who needs to travel for the holidays when Fairbanks has all the fun?

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,