Fairbanks: DEADLINE APPROACHING! EO Results, Take Money OUT of Politics!

March 12, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to everyone who made it out to my constituent meetings over the weekend! It was nice to hear from my neighbors in person. I had a day to get back on my feet before a Joint Session to decide what happens with the Governors Executive Orders, a bill hearing on ALS Awareness Month and Campaign Contribution Limits! Not only that but the PFD deadline is rapidly approaching, and there's help available for students hoping to turn in their FAFSA Application. To learn more keep reading!

One for the History Books!

Never in Alaska history have 12 Executive orders been introduced by a Governor. The historical event led to a historical Joint Session that only lasted about an hour and a half (pretty quick for legislators!). With all legislators together, four of the twelve executive orders passed and eight failed, saving many boards and commissions from being eliminated, absorbed or dissolved.

Many of these Executive Orders should have gone through the proper and Constitutional legislative process instead of being thrust upon the people of Alaska. For example, Executive Order 135 on Recreation Rivers was introduced in 2020 as a bill by the Governor but failed to be passed by the two bodies. Instead of reintroducing the bill, appealing to the public, taking testimony and engaging the legislature, the Governor put it forth as an Executive Order and it passed. I hope that future Legislatures remember their oath to office, the Constitutional separation of branches of Government and the role public testimony with regards to future Executive Orders. The executive branch was never meant to short circuit the legislative branch and the lawmaking body through these orders.

Take Money OUT of Politics!

My bill, SB 17 to reinstate Campaign Contribution Limits, had a second hearing in Senate Judiciary on Monday. Eliminating corruption or the appearance thereof is a compelling state interest—restoring confidence in democracy for Alaskans and ensuring accountability to each Alaskan, not just the wealthiest among us. Currently there are absolutely no limit an individual may donate to a political candidate at all. A wealthy outside individual with deep pocket might be able to fund the entire campaign of a candidate or a slate of candidates. This bill establishes new campaign contribution limits compliant with the Thompson decision. It increases these limits such that they are nearly indexed to the rate of inflation between 2006 and 2023. The limits are rounded to the nearest hundred. Here are the new limits:

Individual contribution limits from $500 to $700
Individual limits to a joint candidacy for Governor and Lt. Gov. from $1,000 to $1,400
Group limits to a joint candidacy for Governor and Lt. Gov. from $2,000 to $2,800

I hope that Alaskans won’t be bombarded by election propaganda by wealthy donors. Instead, I hope that everyday Alaskans will be able to choose their elected officials based on merit and hard work. If you would like to make comments on the legislation, please email me at sen.scott.kawasaki@akleg.gov.

Finding a Cure for ALS

The month of May is recognized as National ALS Awareness Month and my committee has introduced a bill to establish the ALS Awareness Month in Alaska. SB256 was heard in the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee this afternoon and will be finalized in the near future. Send all comments or support letters to Senate.Community.And.Regional.Affairs@akleg.gov.

ALS is also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease. The exact cause of the disease is still not known though people of an advanced age, exposed to toxins and veterans tend to have the disease at higher rates. ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech. Eventually ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease – yet.

ALS patients in Alaska must travel out of state every three months to visit their ALS Care Clinic, which consists of a neurologist, respiratory therapist, speech pathologist, physical/occupational therapist and nutritionist who help manage symptoms. Raising awareness about what ALS is and shining a light on the people who are battling this disease is important to help bring understanding to the challenge.

Would You Like Support for College

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is running twice weekly Master the FAFSA training over zoom. The training will be every Monday and Thursday from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about FAFSA, from how to make an account, to how to successfully submit the form. While the training runs twice a week, the information is the same for each session so no need to sign up for all trainings.

Your PFD Deadline Approaches!

The PFD is our share of the state resource wealth and is important for Alaskans – like myself – who use it to save for college, buy fuel for a cold winter, put food on the dinner table and donate it to charities.

The 2024 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend filing deadline is midnight on March 31^st– but don’t wait! Every year, my office hears stories of mistakes on applications, incorrect postage or forgetting a signature which could cause delays or even a rejection of your application. To be part of the first batch of outgoing PFD payments this October, apply online and request direct deposit. You can also obtain the physical paperwork from a distribution center; use this link to find the one nearest to you.

Also, remember that you can help your favorite charity like the Food Bank of Alaska, the Interior Alaska Cancer Association, the Fairbanks Animal Shelter or the Fairbanks Rescue Mission EVEN if you have already applied. The Pick, Click, Give program allows Alaskans to donate all or a portion of a PFD to a certified charitable organization. Alaskans are giving people and many families, charities and programs could use your support this year!

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,