NEWS: Non-Partisan Legal Opinion Shows Governor Walker Has the Authority to Expand Healthcare Options for Thousands of Vulnerable Alaskans
August 19, 2015
ANCHORAGE – On Tuesday, a small handful of Republican lawmakers voted to authorize a lawsuit seeking to block Alaska Governor Bill Walker’s decision to use his executive powers to expand Medicaid eligibility in Alaska. This decision was made following a closed door, executive session and was made without the support of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition or the input of the people of Alaska. Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) has long been a supporter Medicaid expansion and authored legislation allowing the Walker Administration to accept federal funds to provide vital healthcare to an estimated 40,000 Alaskans.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Medicaid Lawsuit Wastes State Money
August 19, 2015
Getting the Feds to pay for what the state used to pay for was once on Page One of the Alaska playbook. But yesterday some legislative leaders voted to spend $450,000 of your money on corporate law firms to sue Governor Walker on, well, a policy decision he made that saved the state money by leveraging those federal funds. To be exact, $145,000,000 in federal funds that would create 4,000 Alaska jobs, and ripple through our ailing economy.
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NEWS: Alaska House Independent Democratic Coalition Response to Medicaid Expansion Suit Announcement
August 18, 2015
Below are statements from four House Democrats relating the announcement by Republican legislative majorities in both chambers that they intend to sue the Walker administration over Medicaid expansion.
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Rep. Tuck’s Newsletter: Medicaid Expansion and Marijuana Control Board
August 4, 2015
Recently Governor Walker announced that, by executive order, he was bypassing the legislature to expand Medicaid. I support this move. A small group of legislators stood in the way and dragged the legislature though an expensive overtime session for something that would have passed if it was ever brought for a vote. I applaud the Governor in using every tool possible to bring millions of dollars in federal funding, and providing 40,000 more Alaskans with easily accessible and more efficient health care, thus creating more jobs and strengthening an economy much in need.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Governor Expands Medicaid and Community Events
July 21, 2015
Last week, Governor Walker announced that he will use his executive authority to expand Medicaid and improve access to affordable healthcare to all Alaskans. While the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee now has 45 days to respond to the Governor’s decision, the Attorney General and the Legislature’s attorney agree that the Governor is within his Alaska Constitutional authority to accept Medicaid expansion. This decision is good for Alaska.
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