NEWS: Independent and Democratic Lawmakers Call for a Halt to Illegal Lawsuit Challenging Medicaid Expansion in Alaska

Alaska state and flag Juneau – Today, the members of Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition sent a letter to the high-priced Washington D.C. law firm of Bancroft, PLLC asking them to not move forward on an appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court of a lawsuit challenging the expansion of Medicaid in Alaska. The authority to move forward with an appeal has not been granted by the full membership of the Alaska House of Representatives as is required by law. Last week, a notice of appeal was illegally filed with the Alaska Supreme Court on behalf of the Alaska Legislative Council and the Alaska House of Representatives. This is despite a clear legal opinion from the Alaska Division of Legal and Research Services that such an appeal must be authorized by a vote of the full Alaska Legislature, which it was not.
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NEWS: House Republican Leadership Illegally Appeals Lawsuit to Stop Medicaid Expansion in Alaska

Alaska state and flag 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. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Day 90 With no Budget Deal: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Rep. Kawasaki's Juneau Note 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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Rep. Tarr’s Newsletter: End of Session & Update on the Budget

Tarr's Times A lot has happened over the last 7 days! While I wish I was writing you to say that we’ve completed our 90-day Session and will be heading home tomorrow, that is sadly not this case. As 5:00 p.m. rolls around there’s still a long list of bills to hear and vote for on the Floor, and it doesn’t look like we’ll be packing up and heading north tomorrow. Fortunately, several great things have happened during the unfinished Session:
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