Email from Alaska Senate Majority Senator Kawasaki's Juneau Note   30 January 2026 View as Webpage Dear Neighbors, My office and I are back in Juneau, hard at work for the people of Fairbanks. The journey south was fraught with snow and fog, but we forged through the storm and arrived safely at our offices in the Capitol. After unpacking, it was straight to business.  The first days of the session brought a flurry of activity. We submitted hearing requests for bills carried by the office last year, responded to constituent requests for help navigating the more complex aspects of government, and confirmed meetings with advocacy groups eager to share their legislative priorities. While we all miss Fairbanks, it is good to be back with our legislative colleagues and focused on getting work done. Check out my e-newsletter on the first week events of what will be a charged legislative session. Governor Delivers Last State of the State Address  Governor Dunleavy delivered his eighth and final “State of the State” address. Despite this being his last year in office, he reassured the legislature and the people of Alaska that he intends to continue advancing his legislative agenda. He also stated he is willing to work with the Legislature to enact his policies, which was appreciated. Last year, the Governor was present in Juneau for a total of just 19 days, so I look forward to seeing him in the Capitol more often. Dunleavy used this address to highlight past accomplishments and outline his priorities for his final year in office, including a long-range fiscal plan and the potential of the Alaska LNG pipeline dream. As is required, the Governor has submitted his proposed budget to the Legislature. In it, he has planned for a Permanent Fund Dividend of $3,650, which I support in principle, but would require the legislature to use $1.5 billion in savings leaving no savings for future years. For his eight years, the Governor has proposed PFD’s that the state cannot sustainably afford, a practice that has steadily drawn down the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund. The multi-billion structural budget deficit caused by funding oil tax credits and deductions has harmed the annual budget and the obligation to pay the PFD. In an attempt to reduce the budget deficits, Dunleavy has proposed SB 227, which he describes as the foundation of his long-term fiscal plan. This bill would establish a statewide sales tax, which the would be 2% year round and rise to 4% during the summer visitor months. Sales taxes are among the most regressive tax systems, placing a disproportionate burden on lower-income families who spend a greater share of their income on basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. SB 227 further compounds this burden by setting the corporate income tax rate at zero. I cannot reconcile asking working families to shoulder new taxes while large corporations, including oil, mining, and fishing conglomerates, contribute nothing. The Alaska Constitution requires that our natural resources be developed for the maximum benefit of its people. It is difficult to see how a zero-percent corporate tax on resource extraction meets that standard. In his address, Dunleavy also spoke at length about his hopes for the Alaska LNG project. He alluded several times to President Trump executive order titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential” suggesting the timing is right to start this mega project. The promise of economic bounty, an influx of job opportunities and general prosperity were peppered in his speech. While large projects can bring economic activity, I remain doubtful of the revenue benefits under the current tax structure. I can’t help but be skeptical about the income this project may generate, given that the Governor is proposing a 0% corporate income tax. Reduce the State Deficit SB 113, Appropriation Taxable Income; Digital Business was introduced last session as a revenue generating bill whose purpose was to collect taxes from internet businesses which are housed outside of Alaska but sell their products within the state. Nearly 40 other states participate in this digital business tax apportionment because the revenues come back to the states who are party to the same legislation. Considering our current fiscal situation, passing this bill was critical to ensure the prosperity of the state. Historically, most of the state’s income has come from oil and gas revenue, but since the adoption of SB 21 in 2013, state revenues have declined. SB 113 represented an important step toward diversifying our revenue base. Large online companies doing business in Alaska should pay their fair share, just as our brick-and-mortar businesses do. The bill passed last session 42 – 18 but was vetoed by the governor. During a joint session, seven of my republican colleagues who previously voted for the bill changed their votes, and the veto was sustained 35-25. It was disappointing that some chose party alignment over a revenue measure that would have benefited Alaskans and voted against the best interest of the people to support their republican governor. Check out the news HERE. I am happy to say I voted for the bill twice, as it would have brought in between $25 to $65 million in new revenue. Those funds would have supported early literacy programs, including implementation of the READS Act, as well as career and technical education programs that prepare Alaskans for non-college trades.  Surprisingly, after the veto, four new bills were introduced, including one from the governor in his new fiscal plan omnibus bill. Elements of SB 113 were included in the governor’s omnibus bill. The inclusion of similar provisions in the governor’s omnibus bill suggests recognition of the policy need, even though SB 113 itself was vetoed. While the politics of this veto is disappointing, I hope one of these new bills can pass and become law this session so we can fully fund the READS act and other education initiatives sorely needed in the state. A Stronger Republic for Alaska  The second session began quickly as I held the first Senate State Affairs hearing on our first day. With only 120 days left in the 34th legislature, there is no time to dilly dally. You may remember the special session held this summer when the Legislature came together to review the governor’s veto of the BSA increase. We were able to come together and override that veto and secure a victory for education, but the vote was close. The override succeeded by the narrowest margin, just meeting the 75 percent threshold required under the Alaska Constitution. This experience underscored why it was so important to start this session by introducing SJR 2. This resolution, introduced by Senator Matt Claman, proposes a constitutional amendment to reduce the number of votes needed to override a Gubernatorial veto from 3/4 to 2/3. Alaska is the only state to have such a high threshold. As a result, a governor with the support of only a small minority can wield disproportionate power and can block legislation that reflects the will of both the Legislature and the public. In the case of the BSA increase debate, the measure had broad bipartisan support, strong public backing and passed both houses with a majority vote. All this cooperation was put into peril with a single veto. In testimony, Sen. Claman pointed out most states have a 2/3 threshold and emphasized that we should allow the people of the state to decide if 2/3 would make more sense today. I am happy to say the committee moved the resolution on to its next committee. Regardless of which party holds the Governor position, no one Alaskan should wield so much power they can block important issues like education funding. While the resolution has a long way to go before Alaskans can make this decision, I am proud that it was the first piece of legislation advanced out of the committee I chair. To ensure that we have a strong republic, we must ensure that our two other branches of Government share power and are part of a natural Constitutional Check and Balance. Federal Overreach and the Right to Protest  The Joint Armed Services Committee that I co-chair with my colleague Rep. Andrew Gray has fielded many questions from the families of Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson recently. President Trump and his administration has considered utilizing an archaic law known as the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy the armed forces and federalize National Guard units to suppress armed rebellion against the federal government and suppress civil disorder. While the JASC Committee has no authority over the federal government, we do understand the family disruption and chaos created by the recent mobilization of more than 1500 soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division, who are said to be on ready alert to deploy. In order to get more information from the White House, the 11th Airborne and our Congressional Delegation, we sent letters to get more information. In a nutshell, the JASC asked a handful of important questions to which the public should have answers. How long will the 1500 soldiers of the 11th Airborne be in Minnesota? How does a deployment fit in the division mission to defend the United States against foreign threats? Could soldiers be detaining suspected undocumented people? Would the 11th Airborne fight the Minnesota National Guard if Gov. Tim Walz activates it to defend protesters?  Alaska and the Interior has had a long-standing tradition since statehood of opposing massive federal intervention or overreach in preference to supporting the rights of states to self-determination. When armed federal agents from the National Park Service were discovered enforcing contradictory laws, the state challenged these all the way to the US Supreme Court and won. Alaskans and certainly Americans have been uneasy watching escalation of enforcement of federal laws without the corresponding adherence to the US Constitutional protections guaranteed to all free citizens. As the next couple months unfold, I will keep the constituents informed about how to preserve the freedoms that we all want from our Republic for the next 250 years. A Pipeline to Prosperity?  Last week, Glenfarne, the private company responsible for building an Alaskan LNG Pipeline, announced that it is one step closer to construction. The company further stated that they expect to start placing pipe in the ground in December. The announcement stated that the progress in the project is due to several agreements between Glenfarne and companies, both located in the Lower 48 and Alaska, to provide supplies, construction expertise and natural gas to the pipeline. While it is an exciting announcement, it should be noted that a spur line to Fairbanks is not part of the project because it was not part of SB 138, the original AKLNG enabling legislation. It is difficult for me to support any pipeline that circumvents Fairbanks. One argument in favor of building an Alaska LNG pipeline is to lower Anchorage energy costs. Fairbanks energy costs are, on average, higher than the rest of the state. Which begs the question, why is the Golden Heart City being bypassed? Senator Cronk is currently sponsoring SB 114, which would compel Glenfarne to build a spur line to Fairbanks off of the main LNG pipeline. As a member of the Resources Committee, I have been attending presentations on the megaproject. The company, GaffneyCline, is an energy advisor contracted by the state to counsel the legislature on decisions relating to the LNG pipeline. Their representatives, Nick Fulford and Andrew Duncan, spoke to the possible economic boost this project could bring to the state, recommended and advocated for certain government tax breaks for the project and discussed the likelihood that Glenfarne will reach the FID (Final Investment Decision) sometime this year. While the presentations were informative, I had reservations about the conclusions GaffneyCline reached, given that most of the information about Glenfarne's operations is confidential. It is difficult to trust any conclusions drawn from incomplete information. This megaproject could potentially cost the state billions of dollars in both construction and tax breaks. So, having a clear picture of the actual cost to Glenfarne would better aid the Legislature in discussing the tax breaks necessary to make the project economically viable for the company. This is a complicated issue, and I will be tracking it closely during this session. We're Here to Help  With a new year comes a new team. Many of you already know my Chief of Staff, Joe Hayes, who has been serving the district for seven years. His experience as a seasoned member in my office is invaluable. I am also pleased to welcome back Jenna Colquhoun for her second year as my legislative aide. Last year, she tackled the legislature with zeal, and she brings that same energy into this session, now strengthened by the experience of a full year in Juneau. We are also excited to welcome two new members to the office. Mattie Hull joins the team after serving in Representative Dibert’s office, bringing valuable House experience to the Senate side. Our newest team member is Sam Marquardt, an intern in the Ted Stevens Internship Program. Sam is earning his degree in Marine Biology and is training to become a Coast Guard officer. Please continue to contact my office with any questions or concerns about the current legislative session or if you need assistance navigating government applications. We are here to help and always welcome your calls. Hearings and Public Testimony  The Legislature publishes the next week hearing schedule on Thursdays and one can find them at the Alaska Legislature website HERE. There are also a couple of hearings that directly impact the interior and Fairbanks that are highlighted below.  Legislative Teleconference Phone Numbers All other Callers  (844) 586 - 9085 From JNU 586- 9085 From ANC 563 - 9085    Notable Public Testimony Opportunities February 2 HB 81 "Access to Marijuana Conviction Records." Senate Finance 1 pm   SB 81 "Public Employer Pension Contributions" Senate Labor & Commerce 1:30 pm   HB 243 "Barbers & Haidressers BD licensing" House Labor & Commerce 3:15 pm  February 3 HJR 29 "Ban of Russian Seafood" House Fisheries 10 am  HJR 27 "Support State Energy Development" House Energy 1 pm  HB 259 "Large Energy Use Facilities" House Energy 1 pm   HB 202 "Name State Vegetable GIANT CABBAGE" House State Affairs 3:15 pm  February 4 HB 262 "Number of Superior Court Judges" House Judiciary 1 pm   SR 4 "250th Anniversary of United States." Senate Education 3:30 pm   February 5 HB 177 "Bd of Fish & Bd of Game Meetings" House Fisheries 10 am SB 188 "Tanana Valley State Forrest" Senate State Affairs 3:30 pm HB 284 "Tax Compact; Sales tax; Oil & Gas Tax" House Finance 5:30 pm  February 6 HB 261 "Education Funding" House Education 9 am SB 6 "Asian American/Pacific Islander Program" House Education 9 am HB 258 "Statewide Spay & Neuter Program" House Resources 1 pm  SB 198 "PERS/TRS Retirement & Medical Eligibility" Senate Labor & Commerce 1:30 pm  SB 210 "Indigenous Cultural Heritage Education" Senate Education 3:30 pm HJR 20 "Hiring of Apprentices/Veterans" House Labor & Commerce 4:15 pm My Staff and I are Here for You  As always, I will continue to keep you updated on what I’m working on in Juneau throughout the session. If you have any questions about anything going on in the Capitol or at home, feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email – as always, my staff and I are working for you. We will assist you with the issues important to you and your family. Working Hard for Fairbanks Families, Senator Scott Kawasaki Alaska State Senator Serving the City of Fairbanks, Ft. Wainwright & Badger Road Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email   As your Senator, I am here to listen and help. Contact me anytime. Senator Lisa Murkowski Fairbanks Office: 101 12th Avenue, # 172 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-0233 or Email Senator Dan Sullivan Fairbanks Office: 101 12th Avenue, # 328 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-0261 or Email Congressman Nick Begich Fairbanks Office: 542 4th Avenue #210 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 251-4560 or Email     IN JUNEAU: Phone: (907) 465-3466 FAX: (907) 465-2937 State Capitol Building Juneau, AK 99801 IN FAIRBANKS: Phone: (907) 456-7423 1292 Sadler Way Suite 308 (AlaskaUSA Credit Building) Fairbanks, AK 99701 Toll Free: (866) 465-3466 EMAIL Sen.Scott.Kawasaki@ akleg.gov WEB aksenatedems.com/ sen-kawasaki Here are some ways to let your voice be heard regarding issues important to you. Write a Letter to the Editor: submit up to a 350 word letter to the Fairbanks News Miner via their website: [link removed] Contact the Governor: Governor Dunleavy's Fairbanks office may be reached at (907) 451-2920. You can also visit the state website at gov.alaska.gov   Senator Scott Kawasaki | Alaska State Capitol | Juneau, AK 99801 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice