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SOLVING THE STATE’S FISCAL GAP…
This session there seems to be a lot hype and buzz words being used, both in and out of the Legislature, to describe how to solve the
State’s fiscal gap. CBR, POMV, sales tax, income tax, and cruise ship tax are just some of the ideas being tossed around.
Clearly, there is no simple solution or quick fix. If there were, we’d be implementing it now. In reality I think it will take a
combination of new revenue sources, and limiting the growth of State government, to help solve the fiscal problem. The Senate is
working hard to try to come up with a solution that is acceptable to most Alaskans, but whatever the final outcome is, I think it’s
important that all Alaskans be treated equally, including paying equally for government services.
FAIRBANKSANS VISIT THE CAPITOL…
In the past two weeks, I’ve been able to meet with many Fairbanksans during their visit to Juneau. As I’ve said before, I always
enjoy meeting with people from back home. Some of my visitors included General Tim Scott, Brenda Stanfill from Interior Alaska
Center For Non-Violent Living, John Giuchici with IBEW, John Regitano with Family Centered Services, Chick Wallace with
Wallace, Wallace, & Wakefield, members of the UA Board of Trustees, members of the Golden Valley Electric Association, and last
but certainly not least, my daughter Karen from Fairbanks. Pictures of a few of our visitors can be seen here:
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STATUS ON PROPOSED NATURAL GAS PIPELINE…
With the recent withdraw of Mid-American’s participation in the building of Alaska’s natural gas pipeline, many of us are left
wondering what the future of that project will be. Mid-American’s need for a five year exclusive on further analysis and development
was difficult for the Administration to accept. It’s unfortunate that things did not work out as planned, however I am confident the
State will find another entity to take their place. Applications continue to come in for the Governor’s office to evaluate, and we are
standing by ready to assist. The development of the natural gas pipeline is crucial to Alaska’s future.
OPERATING BUDGET BILL NEARS COMPLETION…
The Senate Finance Committee will hear reports from the Finance Subcommittee chairs on all the state departments on April 7. Each
Senate Finance member, as a subcommittee chair, reviews the operating budget requests for at least three departments and
recommends changes to the full Senate Finance Committee. My committees are Department of Community & Economic
Development, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, and Department of Education & Early Development.
All the recommendations are incorporated into the operating budget bill that will be discussed in great detail by the Committee. I
encourage you to become involved with this discussion and debate and let us know your priorities for state funding. Public testimony
on the operating budget for Fairbanks residents will take place from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM on April 13 at the Fairbanks LIO. I hope
that you will join me in this important conversation.
A REMINDER TO SENIORS…
Alaskans who are 65 or older and who are on a limited income may be eligible for the State’s financial or prescription drug
assistance. Qualifying seniors can get $120 month cash benefit or a prescription drug subsidy. If you or anyone you know needs
assistance, contact the Division of Public Assistance at
1-800-478-6065 for more information.
THE LEGISLATURE TAKES AN EASTER BREAK...
The Legislature will be on Easter Break from April 9 – April 12, with floor sessions resuming on April 13. My Juneau office will be
minimally staffed during that time, but will be open for your convenience. Once the break is over, we have only four weeks left of
session. The last day of session will be May 11 barring a call for a special session.
~ Gary
YOUR PRIVACY…
All addresses are “blind” for your privacy. A strict “no spam” policy is observed. If you don’t wish to receive these e-mail newsletters, please let me know. If you have a friend or neighbor in District E or Fairbanks who does not receive my e-mail but would like to be included, I will be glad to add them to my list if they contact me.
CONTACT ME…
If you would like to contact me during session, I can be reached at my office in Juneau at 451-5501 (that’s a local call from Fairbanks), or if you would like to send me an e-mail, my address is . The address where I receive my U.S. mail is: State Capitol Building, Room 518, Juneau, AK 99801. You can visit my website at http://www.akrepublicans.org/wilken/index.php.
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens” – Jimi Hendrix
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