FEBRUARY 20, 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

Legislative Update
Bristol Bay & Marijuana

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As many of you know, I have strong feelings about Alaska and protecting its natural beauty, where this can be achieved. It is for that reason that I have introduced House Bill 119, which takes the requirements passed by the Bristol Bay Forever Initiative and adds another layer of protection for Bristol Bay.

Thirty-one million salmon spawn in the Bristol Bay area, yielding one-third of the world’s sockeye salmon supply each year. 10,000 jobs are directly tied to Bristol Bay. Sport fishing alone yields $300 million per year. Overall, the fisheries are valued at roughly $1.5 billion, and generate between $318 and $573 million per year in economic impact.

HB 119 goes a step beyond the voter initiative passed last November, by requiring the Commissioners of the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation and Fish and Game, to make independent determinations that an applicant has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a proposed mine would not constitute a danger to the fisheries. You can click here to read the bill or you can click here for the press release. HB 119 received referals to the Fisheries, Resources, and Finance committees.

Marijuana Update

If you have been following the legislature this session then you’ll know that marijuana has filled the halls of the capitol. Both the Senate and House Judiciary Committees have been hearing bills that were meant to bring criminal statutes in line to what the initiative legalized. After many hearings it looks like SB 30 could start moving.

I mention this, because on Tuesday, February 24, it will become legal for adults over 21 to possess, carry, and transport up to one ounce of marijuana and it will be fully legal to consume as long as you are not in public. If you are one of the many individuals who voted for the initiative and are planning to celebrate I would ask that you exercise caution. Some of those most involved with the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska recently wrote an ADN commentary piece urging individuals to celebrate, but to do so responsibly. You can read their letter here.

Constituent Meeting

On Saturday February 28th, Representative Drummond, Senator Gardner, and I will be at Steller Secondary School from 11am-12:30pm. Come enjoy the coffee, donuts, and conversation! I hope you all can join us!

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