FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Representing District 17:
Midtown, University, and East Anchorage

I Answer to You!

Contact my office:
State Capitol Bldg., Rm 430
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-4939
(800) 465-4939
 
Click here to write me an email
 
Click here to visit my website
 

  

Write a Letter to the Editor
submit your 175 word letter to the Alaska Dispatch News via e-mail letters@alaskadispatch.com or fax them to 258-2157, attn: letters to the editor.

Contact other elected officials

Governor Bill Walker
907-269-7450
EMAIL: Gov. Bill Walker

Senator Dan Sullivan
907-271-5915
EMAIL: Sen. Dan Sullivan

Senator Lisa Murkowski
907-271-3735
EMAIL: Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Congressman Don Young
907-271-5978
EMAIL: Rep. Don Young

Medicaid Expansion &
Upcoming Events

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This past week Governor Walker began the process of making good on his campaign promise to accept Medicaid expansion and help provide coverage for vulnerable Alaskans. As many of you know I, along with many other individuals and organizations, have been out-spoken supporters of Medicaid expansion and I could not be more pleased with the actions of our new Governor.

But what exactly does this mean for Alaska and our economy?  One study by the ANTHC estimates that over the course of the next seven years Alaska could expect:

-      $1.1 billion in new federal revenue for Alaska

-      4,000 New jobs

-      $1.2 billion more in wages and salaries paid to Alaskans

-      $2.49 billion in increased economic activity throughout the state

The Department of Health and Human Services put out a couple of very easy to understand videos about how Medicaid expansion will help out Alaskans and our economy:

Many will ask, “what will be the fiscal impact on the budget,” and that is a very good question, especially when we find ourselves in tough economic times.  Luckily, under expansion, the federal government will pay 100% of health care expenses associated with the newly covered population in both calendar years 2015 and 2016.  Further, in Fiscal Year 2016, the state of Alaska will see $6.1 million in covered care that the government currently pays for directly!  The federal government will then transition its match over several years to 90% of health care expenses for the new population.  When you think of the TENS of THOUSANDS of people that will be able to get covered, it is a small price to pay.  You can learn more about Governor Walker’s “Healthy Alaska Plan” by following the link provided.

Upcoming Events

Public Town Hall Meeting on

Marijuana Regulation and Taxation

- Saturday Feb 28th, 9 am to Noon -

The Anchorage Assembly Committee on the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana is holding its first Town Hall Meeting to seek input from the community about legalized cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, possession and use of marijuana within Anchorage. 
 

This open meeting is being held Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Loussac Library in the Assembly Chambers (just prior to an Anchorage Legislators “Fly-In” Caucus open to all citizens!), 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK 99503. The community is encouraged to attend.

The meeting will open with an overview of the new State law and its schedule for taking effect over the next year.  The public will then be invited to offer comments, ideas and concerns regarding legalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana.

 
CLICK HERE to go to the press release describing the Town Hall Meeting.

CLICK HERE to go to the flyer about the Town Hall Meeting.

UMED District Plan Open House

-Tuesday March 17^th, Doors Open at 5:30 pm-

The UMED District Plan Open house is scheduled for Tuesday March 17^th, with doors opening at 5:30pm in Room 307 at the UAA/APU Consortium Library.  Two presentations will be scheduled during the meeting and will be announced with a final invitation (I will be sure to keep you up to date).

Public comment on the Public Review Draft Plan will be taken through April 10, 2015.  The plan is anticipated to be presented to the Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission on May 11, 2015.

As always, please call or email with any thoughts, ideas, or concerns.

I Answer to You!

Sincerely,

Representative Andy Josephson
State Capitol Bldg. Room 430
Phone: 907-465-4939