September 1,
2015
Medicaid Expansion Today! Also President Obama Visits
and Local Construction Updates
Dear Neighbors,
Growing a Healthy Alaska
Last Friday, Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner rejected a costly request by the Republicans for an injunction and said that Governor Walker’s administration could begin with planned Medicaid Expansion today. This is a positive step in ensuring health care is accessible to all Alaskans.
Earlier this summer, Governor Walker announced his plan to accept Medicaid expansion in Alaska. I supported this move after years of inaction by Republican Leadership. The Governor asked the Legislature to accept federal money in preliminary budget proceedings to cover the cost of expansion during the legislative session and later introduced a stand-alone expansion bill. Republican Leaders stripped the money from the governor’s proposed budget and refused to allow a vote on the bill.
It was unfortunate that the legislature had to go through litigation that could cost as much as $450,000 just to deny 45,000 Alaskans the ability to apply for Medicaid that will be funded by the Federal Government. Over the next several years, I will continue to work to make reforms and efficiencies so that we can have a healthy Alaska and a stronger economy.
After years of work, It was such a great moment to hear that Obama listened to Alaskans and restored the name Denali. |
Welcome and Thank You President Obama
President Obama is in Alaska for three days to visit Seward, Dillingham and Kotzebue and will make an appearance at the Global Leadership in the Arctic: Cooperation, Innovation, and Resilience (#GLACIER) conference in Anchorage. The president has stated he is here to discuss climate change, resource development and the Arctic in advance of meetings in France. These are issues that we are facing in our own way, whether its large fires, dwindling fish stocks or our changing weather patterns. Alaskans will be sure to give him the best advice on these issues.
On Sunday, President Obama called on Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, to officially restore the name “Denali” to Alaska’s largest peak. This has been an issue that I have worked on for several years, but have been blocked by Congressional activities that prevented the change. It was such a great moment to hear that he has heard it from Alaskans – we deserve to name our own mountains and respect our Indigenous People!
View of construction from the downtown transit center last week. |
Construction update
College Road Construction – The project is currently scheduled for a completion date of October 15, 2015 with some minor additions that will need to be added next summer. Despite minor setbacks, the College Road Project is on time to finish with minor impacts to businesses, schools and residents. Any inquiries on the project can be answered by Meadow Baily with DOT at 907-451-2240.
Downtown Cushman Street Upgrades - As of now the project completion date for all major items is scheduled for September 30, 2015. Minor parts of the project like setting all the light poles will be finished next year. Maintaining pedestrian sidewalks and northbound traffic has been difficult but Exclusive Paving has worked with businesses and visitors daily to help navigate through the construction. Any inquiries can be answered by Rebekah Matar with Exclusive Paving at rcoats@coalaska.com.
I look forward to these crucial upgrades to the Fairbanks we all love. If there are any problems or complaints with the construction, please feel free to contact my office directly and I will work to help remedy the issue.
Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,
![[SIGNED]](../../images/signatures/31.gif)
Representative Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Representative
City of Fairbanks
P.S. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook Or Instagram. |
