NEWS: Rep. Tarr to Celebrate Signing of Legislation to Implement Erin’s Law in Alaska
July 9, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Later today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker will sign the Alaska Safe Children’s Act during a ceremony as part of the 2015 Alaska Flag Day Celebration in Anchorage. HB 44 includes Erin’s Law, which requires school districts across the state to teach children how to recognize and report sexual abuse. Erin’s Law was championed in Alaska by Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) who helped guide the law through multiple legislative sessions all the way to final passage on July 11, 2015.
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Note from Rep. Gara: 4,000 New Jobs: Medicaid Expansion Can Help Prevent A Recession
July 6, 2015
I hope you had a great Fourth of July weekend! Now for some sobering news - a big wallop to hit you with after a long weekend. And a solution so you hopefully don’t ever feel that wallop! A recent study says Alaska is either in a recession, or is on the possible brink of one. That’s a big concern. Standing still isn’t the way to address this news. Here’s something we should do to help avoid any protracted recession.
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Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: Post Mortem
July 4, 2015
The 2015 Alaska Legislature made history in the wrong way. 144 long and dramatic legislative days to pass a fully funded budget? Ugh.
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Rep. Tuck’s Newsletter: Protecting Parents as Teachers
July 2, 2015
Throughout the recent lengthy series of special sessions, a major sticking point for the House Independent Democratic Coalition was to negotiate a compassionate deal which would cut the budget but would also prioritize children, poor seniors, and hardworking Alaskans over corporate welfare for wealthy multinational corporations.
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NEWS: Medicaid Expansion Can Help Avoid the Risk of a Recession in Alaska
June 25, 2015
ANCHORAGE – A recent report commissioned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority suggests Alaska is at risk of a recession for the fourth time in the state’s history. The report indicates a recession could be prolonged due, in part, to the downturn in oil prices and subsequent decreases in state spending. However, the report outlines options to mitigate a recession including accepting Medicaid expansion, which will be paid for almost entirely by the federal government. House Finance Committee member Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) tried repeatedly this past session to garner legislative approval for Medicaid expansion but the Republican-controlled Majorities refused to allow the issue to be put to a vote.
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