Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: The Budget, SB91 and a Zombie in the Legislature
May 6, 2016
Today marks the 109th day of the second session of the 29th Legislature and we are still here in Juneau. There are three major issues in front of the legislature that are keeping us from adjourning. One of those issues, the Criminal Omnibus legislation, was passed from the House. It awaits a vote on “reconsideration” next week. It will likely pass on reconsideration and be returned back to the Senate where they will vote on concurrence (in other words, they will decide whether they like the House’s changes to the original bill). I will cover this topic more in a subsequent section, so be sure to read below.
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NEWS: House Republican Leadership Illegally Appeals Lawsuit to Stop Medicaid Expansion in Alaska
May 6, 2016
Juneau – The Republican-controlled leadership in the Alaska House of Representatives has filed an appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court of a lawsuit challenging Medicaid expansion in Alaska without approval of the full Alaska Legislature as required by law. The ill-advised lawsuit was dismissed in March by a Superior Court Judge after finding that the Social Security Act allowed the Governor to initiate Medicaid expansion and that existing state law required Governor Walker to provide Medicaid to the group of Alaskans eligible for expansion.
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Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Day 100 and Counting
April 28, 2016
It’s time for the total package!
Alaska has a $4.1 billion deficit due a budget that has been over reliant on one source of revenue—oil—which is at historically low prices right now. Oil is not projected to get above $50 per barrel anytime in the next 10 years, so we can’t just hope for prices to rebound. We only have enough funds on hand to cover about 25% of Alaska’s budget.
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Rep. Spohnholz’s Newsletter: Day 92
April 19, 2016
We have had some big accomplishments in the last few days including passing military justice reform and Medicaid reform. These are both comprehensive reform bills that garnered bipartisan support. However, there are still major issues outstanding before the legislature, and no clear path forward. Before I get into these topics I have a quick request:
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Day 90 With no Budget Deal: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly
April 18, 2016
Ninety days have passed, and the legislature is now in overtime. Republican leadership has failed to work out a deal and the House Independent Democratic Coalition expect them to request a special session. There have been some good things to pass so far, but there is still work that is being held up by leadership. Here’s an update on the good, the bad and the ugly as we roll over into an extended session. As always, if you have any questions on a certain piece of legislation, please contact my office at (907) 456-7423.
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