OCTOBER 25, 2015

Representing District 17:
Midtown, University, and East Anchorage

I Answer to You!

Contact my office:
716 W 4th Ave, Room 412
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269-0265
 
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 Third Special Session

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

At 11:00 a.m. yesterday, the Alaska State Legislature began the third special session of the 29th Legislature. Some of you will remember that I have spoken on this topic before in my last legislative update, but as of Friday, the call (topics to be considered at the session) was changed.

Originally there were two items on the special session call: (1) a tax on unproduced natural gas and (2) whether or not the State of Alaska will buy out TransCanada’s ownership stake in the pipeline. But on Friday, October 23rd, Governor Walker received letters from the presidents of BP and ConocoPhillips saying that they would commit to sell their gas even if they decide to pull out of the project. Exxon Mobil also sent a letter that gave the Governor hope that a similar agreement could be worked out with them. Because of these events the Governor decided to pull the gas reserves tax. You can read about his reasoning here.

Now we are left with the decision on whether or not to buy out TransCanada. Committee meetings are scheduled to start immediately so that we can make a well thought out decision as soon as possible to keep the costs of this special session down. If you would like to keep up with what is going on you can see the daily calendar hereand watch all the committees and floor sessions live here.

I will be sure to update you on any activity that may occur.

Stellar School Visit

Rep. Josephson with Steller Principal and childhood friend Reed Whitmore

On Tuesday I was invited by the Leaders in the Schools Program to visit a school in the district and see the everyday activity that occurs. I spent the morning at Steller Secondary School (my alma mater) with principal and longtime friend Reed Whitmore. It was a great experience and a bit nostalgic to be walking the halls again. I can’t say thank you enough to all the staff for making me feel welcome but I will try: Thank you!

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

I Answer to You!

Sincerely,

Representative Andy Josephson
Anchorage LIO Room 412
Phone: 907-269-0265