MARCH 11, 2014

Representing District 15:
Midtown, University, and East Anchorage

I Answer to You!

Contact my office:
State Capitol Room 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 Anchorage Daily News via e-mail letter@adn.com, or fax them to 258-2157, attn: letters to the editor.

Contact other elected officials

Governor Sean Parnell
907-269-7450
EMAIL: Gov. Sean Parnell

Senator Mark Begich
907-271-5915
EMAIL: Sen. Mark Begich

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

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

Silencing Alaskans?

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

An ongoing theme from last year’s session is the attempt to cut the public out of the state’s decision-making process. I was opposed to HB 77 (one of last year’s most contentious bills) from its inception. I was proud of the public uproar over that bill. Alaskans’ voices always deserve to be heard. HB 77 is on the move again as well as another bill that aims to reduce public involvement (HB 47).

Hearing from, and Answering to You:

I wanted to thank everyone who attended the community meeting with Senator Gardner, Representative Drummond and myself at Steller Secondary School.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our community meeting!

Hearing from you provides invaluable information; that is why I am asking you complete this online survey about various issues facing our state this year. You can complete the survey online here or if you would like us to mail you a paper copy, just let me know. Otherwise, feel free to call me any time with general questions or comments.

Please complete our online survey here!

HB 77 on the Move:

Last session the House passed a sweeping bill that cuts public participation out of natural resource decision-making, and eliminates protections for fish, clean water, and wildlife. That bill is House Bill 77. Due to immense grassroots efforts, the public sent a resounding message of “no” to the Senate where the bill was held up at the end of last session.  This summer over 830 people attended meetings in 5 different cities across the state, 340 people voiced opposition to the bill—including myself!--and just 1 person spoke in favor who was a paid lobbyist.

Hundreds of people packed public meetings this fall and winter to speak against HB 77

HB 77 is on the move again. Yesterday it received a hearing in the Senate Resources Committee where it is undergoing several changes. The committee is accepting public testimony on Wednesday (3/11/14) from 3:30 – 5:00pm. Please go to the local Anchorage Legislative Information Office (733 W 4th Ave) if you would like to testify. 

Senator Gardner and I enjoying listening to neighbors at our community meeting

Challenging state decisions? Not without a consequence. 

Another aim to eliminate public involvement is a bill (HB 47) that requires Alaskans to post a bond or security when seeking a stay or injunction (a court order that requires a party to refrain from an activity) against a government issued permit affecting an industrial operation. The House is set to vote on this bill tomorrow.

This bill has been promoted as a way to reduce frivolous lawsuits. However, it is already incredibly challenging to receive a stay or preliminary injunction. A court can’t issue those remedies unless it first determines that the individual is likely to win and that “irreparable harm” would result without a stay or injunction. Instead, I believe this legislation is targeted at lawsuits with merit, and places a burden on those individuals with legitimate cases.

We should not force an Alaskan into bankruptcy in order to protect herself from the effects of a state issued permit.  Alaskans deserve to be heard.

You have until March 31st to complete your PFD application – don’t forget about Pick.Click.Give. as a chance to donate to local charities!

As always, please contact me any time if I can be of service to you or your family,

I Answer to You!

Sincerely,

Representative Andy Josephson
State Capitol Room 430
Juneau AK, 99801
Phone: 907-465-4939
Rep.Andy.Josephson@akleg.gov