Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Erin’s Law Signed into Law!
July 16, 2015
Last week something wonderful happened. After a long (2 years!), arduous journey that at times seemed doomed to fail, Governor Walker signed Erin’s Law on July 9th. It was absolutely one of the high points of my time serving as your Legislator, and I want to thank everyone again for standing with me in fighting to get this important law passed. The bill signing was held at the 125th anniversary of Alaska Youth and Family (formerly Alaska Children’s Services) and I can’t think of a more appropriate place. Alaska Youth and Family is a non-profit organization that provides services and runs a home for children who have experienced abuse. They do amazing work and if you don’t know about them I hope you’ll visit their website to learn more.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: WE’RE IN! Alaska is now the 30th state to accept Medicaid expansion
July 16, 2015
Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced plans to take advantage of federal funding to expand eligibility for Medicaid in Alaska. This action is supported by the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition, which made Medicaid expansion a priority during the First Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature. Medicaid expansion comes with tremendous benefits including over a billion dollars in new federal revenue over the next six year, the creation of 4,000 jobs, and $1.2 billion in additional wages and salaries. Studies suggest Medicaid expansion would result in $2.49 billion in increased economic activity across Alaska.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Endorses Governor Walker’s Plan to Expand Medicaid
July 16, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced plans to take advantage of federal funding to expand eligibility for Medicaid in Alaska. This action is supported by the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition, which made Medicaid expansion a priority during the First Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature.
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NEWS: Erin’s Law and Bree’s Law Signed by Governor Walker
July 10, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Thursday, Alaska Governor Bill Walker signed the Alaska Safe Children’s Act into law during a ceremony in Anchorage. The Alaska Safe Children’s Act includes Erin’s Law and Bree’s Law. Erin’s Law requires school districts to teach personal body safety information to elementary and secondary school students. Erin’s Law also requires school staff be trained on how to recognize the signs of child sexual abuse. Rep. Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) sponsored Erin’s Law legislation in the last two legislative sessions and was on hand for Thursday night’s bill signing ceremony.
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NEWS: New Report Questions Wisdom of Large Oil and Gas Tax Credits
July 10, 2015
ANCHORAGE – A new report from the Alaska Department of Revenue shows a substantial negative effect on the finances of the State of Alaska from large oil and gas tax credits. The report concludes that North Slope oil and gas production tax credits may be an inferior investment for Alaska compared to investing in the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund.
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