Note from Rep. Gara: Are You Earthquake Prepared? Some Useful Safety Tips
February 2, 2016
Every day I talk to legislators in both parties to see if we can build a bi-partisan fiscal plan. I’m trying to keep things calm. I’m trying not to say “no,” even to proposals that cause me concern. A fair compromise will have to include elements most members don’t love. Compromise involves principled give and take. I’m listening to everyone’s ideas, and hoping enough members of the Republican majority will also be willing to put together a balanced, fair, bi-partisan fiscal plan.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: State of the State & Important Legislation
February 1, 2016
We are now three weeks into the second session of the 29th Legislature and things are really starting to pick up. Committees are meeting regularly and they are beginning to dig into the Governor’s fiscal plans. The budget is the dominating issue this session and everything that we do will be looked at through that lens. Governor Walker’s plan has much to recommend —it is a good first effort. However, there is much in it that gives me pause. But, it is ultimately just an outline that is likely to change as it makes its way through the legislative process. I would encourage everyone to stay involved and to let your voices be heard!
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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Fighting to Lower Health Insurance Costs
January 29, 2016
I was working on this week’s enewsletter about my bill to lower health insurance costs by reforming the rate review process, and then news broke yesterday afternoon that makes this bill even more important. Yesterday, the Division of Insurance announced it was cancelling Moda Health’s ability to sell or renew health insurance plans in Alaska. This leaves Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield as the only company selling individual health insurance, and now that one provider has a monopoly it is more important than ever that we a strong rate review process to protect Alaskans from unfair prices.
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Rep. Kito’s Newsletter: 2016 Session Gets Underway
January 26, 2016
The second session of the 29th Alaska Legislature is underway and the building is full of activity. This year, the focus is on the state’s widening budget deficit – with the deficit estimated at more than $3.5 billion, we have our work cut out for us.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Shadowy Political Operatives Targeting Legislators?
January 25, 2016
Alaska is facing a massive budget deficit. The best way to address it is by working calmly and collaboratively, across party lines, to come to a bi-partisan solution. As the start of the legislative session approached, some of us learned that some Outside national political operatives have been hired– it appears quite clear – to monitor and eventually campaign against legislators who don’t do what they want on a fiscal plan. Having folks like that involved in your legislative process is too shadowy for my likes.
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