Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Opportunity for Public Testimony, Community Resources for those in Crisis
My colleagues in the Senate Finance Committee will hear public testimony from across the state this week. You can testify in person at your local Legislative Information Office (LIO). If you live off the road system or there isn’t an LIO in your community, you can send written testimony to Senate.Finance.Committee@akleg.gov or call (907) 465-3753 for assistance.
Read More →
NEWS: Life-Saving Legislation Passed to Help Respond to Epidemic of Heroin Use in Alaska
Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 23 by a vote of 36-0. The bill, sponsored by Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), passed the Alaska Senate last year by a vote of 19-1.
Read More →
NEWS: Lawmakers Applaud Today’s Superior Court Decision to Dismiss Ill-Advised Lawsuit Over Medicaid Expansion in Alaska
Juneau - Today, Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner issued a ruling in the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council against Alaska Governor Bill Walker over his decision last year to expand Medicaid without legislative approval. Judge Pfiffner found that the Social Security Act requires Medicaid expansion, and that existing state law required Governor Walker to provide Medicaid to the group of Alaskans eligible for expansion. In his 26-page ruling, Judge Pfiffner granted the Governor’s motion for summary judgement and dismissed the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council, which is made up of ten members of the Alaska Legislature.
Read More →
NEWS: Reps. Kawasaki and Tuck Propose the Creation of the State Bank of Alaska
Juneau – Representatives Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) have filed legislation to create a state bank as a public corporation of the State of Alaska. The Bank of Alaska would create new avenues for long-term economic growth by granting loans to Alaskan-owned businesses and emerging industries.
Read More →
Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Public Budget Testimony Opportunity, New Bills, University Under Attack
As we near the halfway mark of the session, the legislature bears down on the budget. The next couple of weeks will be a critical stage in the budget process as the House Finance Committee hears public testimony next week before heading to the House floor.
Read More →