Health and the Environment Newsletter from Rep. Tarr
July 22, 2013
Welcome to the first edition of Health and Environment, a new monthly newsletter from my legislative office. Many of us or members of our families have experienced health issues, from cancer, reproductive health issues, behavioral issues like autism or ADHD, or conditions like Alzheimer’s, that may be linked to environmental causes. New research reports regularly help us understand these conditions in new ways, often with a need for a policy change to address the issue and improve health outcomes. This newsletter will be a way to share information and bring you into the conversation about policy changes that may be necessary in Alaska.
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NEWS: As Congress Debates Student Loans, Alaska Should Act
July 18, 2013
Reps. Gara and Tarr reach out to fellow legislators to lower student loan costs
Today, as Congress continues to debate the doubling of federal student loan rates, Representative Les Gara and Representative Geran Tarr (both D-Anchorage) reached out to fellow Alaska lawmakers to help lower the costs of higher education, job training, and high student loan rates for Alaskans. The two lawmakers wrote their colleagues in the House of Representatives seeking their input and collaboration before the 2014 legislative session.
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NEWS: Gara Files Lifetime Fishing and Hunting License Bill
March 5, 2013
Promotes Outdoor Recreation At Lower Cost to Alaskans
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) filed legislation to promote Alaska hunting and fishing by allowing lifetime licenses for Alaskans.
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NEWS: Kawasaki Introduces Legislation to Create UA Medical and Law Schools
January 9, 2013
Bill encourages ‘Growing Our Own’ healthcare and law professionals
Fairbanks – Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) introduced legislation (HB 43) to create the UA School of Medicine and the UA School of Law at the two main area campuses in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Kawasaki said that the time to invest in education is now if we are to build the workforce that Alaska will need in the next 20 years. Kawasaki points to the continuing doctor shortages and the costs of healthcare and legal services.
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NEWS: Democrats Push to Lower Student Loan Burden for Alaskans
December 20, 2012
Measure cuts high loan rates for Alaskans who remain in or return to Alaska
JUNEAU – Today, seven Democratic legislators announced they will pre-file legislation to reduce the high cost of student loans for Alaskans who stay in or return to Alaska. “It is telling that you can get a 2.75 percent interest rate for a used car loan, but pay upwards of 6.5 to 8 percent for job training and college loans in Alaska,” said Rep. Les Gara. Lowering the cost of education and job training for Alaskans helps both students and the state by reducing costs to Alaskans and giving all Alaskans who want to open new career doors the incentive to help improve Alaska’s economy.
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