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. Claman’s Newsletter: Extended Session Update
May 2, 2016
On Sunday, the legislature will be 14 days into the extended legislative session and we have not reached an agreement about revenue and expenses for a state budget. The House will be considering the Criminal Justice Reform bill early next week. As the session continues, I will continue my work for a responsible action plan for Alaska.
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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: BUDGET SURVEYS
April 29, 2016
Thank you for taking the time to complete and submit the fiscal survey we mailed earlier this session. Of those who completed the survey, 89% are concerned about the budget shortfall. An overwhelming 71% of the survey respondents said we should make efficiency cuts to the budget and figure out new ways to generate revenues. We are listening and have advocated this position during the session. Our neighbors also said we should cut funding for mega-projects. We have repeatedly offered and voted in favor of budget amendments to cut funding for these unaffordable projects.
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OPINION: Alaska needs to make deep cut in oil tax credits, and soon
April 28, 2016
By Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Rep. Andy Josephson, and Rep. Ivy Spohnholz - Published Apr. 28, 2016 ADN
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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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