Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: Erin’s Law Signed into Law!
July 16, 2015
Last week something wonderful happened. After a long (2 years!), arduous journey that at times seemed doomed to fail, Governor Walker signed Erin’s Law on July 9th. It was absolutely one of the high points of my time serving as your Legislator, and I want to thank everyone again for standing with me in fighting to get this important law passed. The bill signing was held at the 125th anniversary of Alaska Youth and Family (formerly Alaska Children’s Services) and I can’t think of a more appropriate place. Alaska Youth and Family is a non-profit organization that provides services and runs a home for children who have experienced abuse. They do amazing work and if you don’t know about them I hope you’ll visit their website to learn more.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Endorses Governor Walker’s Plan to Expand Medicaid
July 16, 2015
ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced plans to take advantage of federal funding to expand eligibility for Medicaid in Alaska. This action is supported by the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition, which made Medicaid expansion a priority during the First Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature.
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Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ Newsletter: Post Mortem
July 4, 2015
The 2015 Alaska Legislature made history in the wrong way. 144 long and dramatic legislative days to pass a fully funded budget? Ugh.
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NEWS: Rep. Guttenberg Hires a New Staff Member
July 1, 2015
FAIRBANKS - Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) is pleased to announce and welcome, Kaitlin Wilson, as a new addition to his staff. Wilson, a second generation Alaskan, was born and raised in Fairbanks. At a young age she was attracted to photography, and after traveling extensively throughout Latin America with her camera, she decided to pursue her passion and study the art at a formal institution. In 2009 she enrolled in the media arts program at Columbia College in Chicago. After one year of living in the city, she found herself being drawn back to the natural beauty of Alaska, where she returned home to earn a bachelor’s of art in journalism, with an emphasis in photojournalism from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2013.
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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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