MAY 8, 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
The Special Session So Far

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are now 10 days into the Special Session that Governor Walker called for on April 28th, but based on the level of activity it would seem that some are not using this time wisely. Governor Walker called for the legislature to discuss three (3) things during the special session: the budget, Erin’s Law, and Medicaid Expansion. Well, apart from some hearings by the House Finance Committee on the budget, we have yet to have a hearing on either of the other issues.  What is the hold up?

Since I have been back in Anchorage I have used my time to attend multiple community council meetings, as well as the aforementioned House Finance meetings. It has been nice to see so many familiar faces and hear about the issues that are important to each community. One of the most discussed issues in the community is still the U-Med Road. So far nine community councils have passed resolutions opposing the road.  I believe that we should use the money that has been allocated to the project for other more pressing issues, such as education.

I will say that it is nice to be home, but I would prefer to be home with a budget that adequately funds education and extends healthcare to thousands of Alaskans, as well as one that honors contracts with State workers. These are the goals that my caucus is working towards.

Rallies at the LIO

Supporters of Medicaid expansion and public education held rallies at the new LIO

On Wednesday and Thursday supporters of public education and Medicaid expansion held rallies outside the LIO. Both of these issues are at the forefront of the budget debate. It was great to see so many concerned and animated individuals, sharing with us their views on these important questions. One of the reasons that we’re here in Anchorage—according to the majority--is so that the majority can get a better feel of where Alaskans stand. Let’s hope that they are listening.

At this link here, you can see a piece I wrote on the Alaska Dispatch News, summarizing our present budget impasse.

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