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: 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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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Legislative Update - An End to the Special Sessions
June 19, 2015
Dear House District 17 Constituents!
Many of you received my End-of-Session Newsletter a couple weeks ago.
I wanted to apprise you of the details of the session’s culmination on the evening of Thursday, June 11, 2015, since that printing (above) hit your mailboxes.
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Rep. Wool’s Newsletter: Legislative Session Adjourns: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
June 16, 2015
My first session as your representative in the State House finally ended on Thursday. This isn’t the first time that session has gone into overtime, but it was the longest extension in a while. There used to be no set length, it just ended when everything was finished or when fishermen and farmers had to go back to work. I don’t think there are many fishermen or farmers in the legislature right now, but some do have regular jobs during the year, myself included.
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