Rep. Kawasaki’s Newsletter: Why are we Still Here? - Crime Bill Passes House, Congratulations UA Graduates
May 6, 2016
It’s Day 110 and many of us are still working in Juneau. Construction is underway at the Capitol so we moved in to a small rental near downtown. After 4 days of debate, the House voted on SB 91, the “Crimnibus” bill that overhauls the criminal justice system in a way Alaska has not seen since 1978. Below is an update about this legislation and why we’re still here.
Read More →
Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: The Budget, SB91 and a Zombie in the Legislature
May 6, 2016
Today marks the 109th day of the second session of the 29th Legislature and we are still here in Juneau. There are three major issues in front of the legislature that are keeping us from adjourning. One of those issues, the Criminal Omnibus legislation, was passed from the House. It awaits a vote on “reconsideration” next week. It will likely pass on reconsideration and be returned back to the Senate where they will vote on concurrence (in other words, they will decide whether they like the House’s changes to the original bill). I will cover this topic more in a subsequent section, so be sure to read below.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
NEWS: Work of University of Alaska Student Researchers to be Unveiled Thursday at Anchorage Legislative Information Office
May 3, 2016
Anchorage – Undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Alaska Anchorage will be displaying the results of their ongoing research projects Thursday in the Anchorage Legislative Information Office. Students and faculty will be available to answer questions about the research projects Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. The University of Alaska Research and Discovery Symposium is free and open to the public. The symposium is being sponsored by Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage).
Read More →
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.
Read More →
