Public Involvement Plan

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The objective of the plan is to outline project goals and methods for involving stakeholders in a collaborative effort  where:

·         “The roles of the project team and the public are defined…”

·         “A working relationship between stakeholders and the project team will be formed…”

·         “The project will keep an open mind to all points of view…”

·         “The project team will keep the public informed; listen to, and acknowledge concerns; and provide feedback on how public input has influenced project decisions…”; and,

·         “Milestones in the process will be clearly defined and communicated to the public.”

While I oppose the Northern Access Road, the engineers are making an apparent effort to comply with the intent language of Senate Bill 18, which expressly required that stakeholders and citizens be involved in every facet of the road plan.  The report, above, also notes that the “public has used both the maintained and unmaintained trails in the area for decades and treasures the green space and recreational opportunities the area provides.”

This report is the beginning of a long discussion among community members, institutional stakeholders, the Department of Transportation, Municipality of Anchorage, and DOWL HKM. Again, these decision makers are required by law to continually include the public in the process.

Check the Northern Access to UMed District website for current updates or call the office (4041 B Street) at 907-562-200

Issue: Medicaid Expansion

Being interviewed on the state Medicaid program

In mid-March I introduced a piece of legislation that urges Governor Parnell to accept federal dollars to expand the state Medicaid program. I believe that Medicaid expansion is in the best interests of Alaskans by providing both financial and health benefits.

A study by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium concludes that 41,500 uninsured Alaskans would be eligible for health insurance coverage if the Medicaid program expanded. In addition, the program would generate 4,000 new jobs, $180 million more in annual wages, and $2.49 billion in increased economic activity for the state by 2020.

Expanding Medicaid injects $2 billion dollars into our economy, saves and creates thousands of jobs, and provides health care to thousands of low-income Alaskans. I was recently interviewed (see article here) by the Alaska Public Radio Network concerning a study about Medicaid expansion that Governor Parnell has been unwilling to release to the public. In order to make the best decisions for the state of Alaska, all the information needs to be available and subject to deliberation.

A new building for the Alaska Native Medical Center…

I attended the bill signing of SB 88 which allows the state to enter into a lease purchase agreement with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium for construction and equipping of a residential housing facility located on the Anchorage campus.

The Alaska Native Medical Center provides comprehensive medical services to 143,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people across the Alaska Native Tribal Health Care system.   This new campus building will be a cost savings for the state of Alaska, in that Medicaid reimbursement will be increased and fewer state dollars will be needed as a consequence.  The housing facility is for the temporary use of families and patients during healthcare crises as well as routine procedures.

At the bill signing of SB 88 with Governor Parnell and other legislators. The bill provides funding to construct a new housing facility at the Alaska Native Medical Center, which will be a long-term cost savings for the state

Recently, I was fortunate enough to take a tour of Anchorage Community Mental Health Services (ACMHS).  A majority of its facilities are located within the U-Med District. ACMHS provides a variety of different programs for adult, child, and family services. These services include a child trauma center, therapy for children ages 2-5 and their families, case management, crisis intervention, and skill development. The services this group provides to our community are priceless.

Upcoming Events

Anchorage Mini Maker Faire: A family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the “Maker movement.” Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkers. Join us on Saturday, July 27^th from 12pm-6om at the Loussac Library.

Click here for more information about Anchorage’s first Mini Maker Faire

Governor’s Picnic:  On Saturday, July 20^th , join Governor Sean Parnell in a decades long tradition made possible by Alaska businesses and hundreds of volunteers. The picnic will take place on the Delaney Park Strip from 12pm-3pm.

Join Governor Parnell at a picnic on the Delaney Park Strip, Saturday, July 30th from 12pm-3pm

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

I Answer to You!

Sincerely,

Representative Andy Josephson
716 4th Ave, Room 390
Phone: 907-269-0265
Rep.Andy.Josephson@akleg.gov