ANCHORAGE – Today, Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner denied the Legislative Council’s request to stop the implementation of Medicaid expansion in early September. The ruling is being praised by the members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC).
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ANCHORAGE – On Tuesday, a small handful of Republican lawmakers voted to authorize a lawsuit seeking to block Alaska Governor Bill Walker’s decision to use his executive powers to expand Medicaid eligibility in Alaska. This decision was made following a closed door, executive session and was made without the support of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition or the input of the people of Alaska. Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) has long been a supporter Medicaid expansion and authored legislation allowing the Walker Administration to accept federal funds to provide vital healthcare to an estimated 40,000 Alaskans.
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ANCHORAGE – Today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced plans to take advantage of federal funding to expand eligibility for Medicaid in Alaska. This action is supported by the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition, which made Medicaid expansion a priority during the First Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature.
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ANCHORAGE – A recent report commissioned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority suggests Alaska is at risk of a recession for the fourth time in the state’s history. The report indicates a recession could be prolonged due, in part, to the downturn in oil prices and subsequent decreases in state spending. However, the report outlines options to mitigate a recession including accepting Medicaid expansion, which will be paid for almost entirely by the federal government. House Finance Committee member Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) tried repeatedly this past session to garner legislative approval for Medicaid expansion but the Republican-controlled Majorities refused to allow the issue to be put to a vote.
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ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition compromise with the Majority leadership in the House and Senate today enabled the Alaska Legislature to pass an operating budget for Fiscal Year 2016 that prevents a government shutdown at the end of the month.
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