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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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Legislative Session Adjourns: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
June 16, 2015
My first session as your representative in the State House finally ended on Thursday. This isn’t the first time that session has gone into overtime, but it was the longest extension in a while. There used to be no set length, it just ended when everything was finished or when fishermen and farmers had to go back to work. I don’t think there are many fishermen or farmers in the legislature right now, but some do have regular jobs during the year, myself included.
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Rep. Tuck’s Newsletter: Holding Strong for Alaskan Values
June 12, 2015
Dear Neighbors,
After 143 days of intense negotiations, majority and minority legislators have finally reached an agreement to bring an end to the regular session, which was then followed by two special sessions.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Why This Took Way Too Long! Budget Improved to Give Children, Seniors a Fairer Shake in Life
June 12, 2015
I’ve been periodically frustrated, and sometimes worse than that as the budget process plodded along too slowly. Passing a budget isn’t rocket science and many Democrats, Republicans and our one Independent legislator could likely have reached compromise in a few days, rather than taking 50 extra days of special session. But some legislators, though good people, were, I’d have to say, less “flexible” than others.
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NEWS: Rep. Tarr Applauds Passage of Erin’s Law in Alabama and Oregon
June 5, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Erin’s Law, to give children needed information to protect themselves from sexual predators, has been approved in two additional states. This comes as Erin’s Law legislation is stalled in the Alaska Senate. Oregon and Alabama have approved Erin’s Law, making them the 24th and 25th states to pass this important personal body safety measure.
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