NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Members Oppose Legislative Break While Vital Legislation Hangs in Limbo
JUNEAU – Today, the Majority organizations in the House and Senate voted to give themselves a vacation by passing House Concurrent Resolution 101. It allows both bodies to recess until May 12. HCR 101 was passed along caucus lines. All thirteen members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition and the five members of the Alaska Senate Democrats opposed the resolution.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Pledges Continued Work and Negotiations in Juneau for Fully Funded Budget
JUNEAU – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition concurs with Governor Bill Walker in his call for lawmakers to continue working towards a fully funded budget before taking a break from the special session in Juneau. On Monday, without support from the 13 members of the Coalition, the House and Senate Majorities approved a FY 2016 budget that includes a five percent cut to public education and spending over $3 billion more than available revenue. This flawed budget could result in the elimination of vital state services as soon as August.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Special Session
Yesterday, the Legislature adjourned by passing a budget that does not provide access to affordable healthcare to all Alaskans through Medicaid expansion and does not meet our constitutional duty to adequately fund public education. In addition, the budget provides only partial funding for next year and does not reflect the legislative consensus that the Alaska Constitution demands in challenging fiscal times. This Legislature needed to make smart cuts to the budget, but the cuts approved only by the majority are not in line with the interests of the people of Alaska, the Governor, and the Independent-Democratic Coalition.
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NEWS: Rep. Tarr Applauds Governor Walker for his Recognition of the Importance of Erin’s Law
JUNEAU – With Monday’s adjournment, the Alaska Legislature failed yet again to take action on legislation to provide sexual abuse prevention education to K-12 students. Erin’s Law has been a top priority of Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage), who sponsored one of the four bills on the subject this session.
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NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Irresponsible Budget Without Support from the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Legislature passed the most irresponsible budget in the history of Alaska. The FY 2016 budget results in major public education cuts, eliminates nearly all early learning opportunities, jeopardizes the future of a natural gas pipeline, and makes it more difficult for thousands of Alaskans to get affordable healthcare.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Budget Vote and End of Session
Today is the 91st day of the legislative session. Over the past two weeks, I have received countless emails and letters from Alaskans across the state and within our district about several major issues. It is inspiring to hear from so many Alaskans, keep up the good work! In this newsletter, I want to let you know what the Legislature should address before we can head home, and my view on the issues that have received so much public attention.
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NEWS: The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Congratulates New Father Rep. Chris Tuck on the Birth of a Healthy Baby Girl
JUNEAU – The members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition congratulate Coalition Leader Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) and talk radio host Bernadette Wilson on the birth of their daughter. Penelope Grace Tuck was born at 7:10 am Sunday morning, April 19.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Education Funding and Marijuana Update
We are quickly approaching the final days of session. The Legislature has several issues that we need address: Operating Budget, Capital Budget, Medicaid reform and expansion, and gasline legislation. These final days get very busy, we’ll do our best to keep you updated about legislative happenings. Please check my Facebook and [twitter.com/mattclaman]Twitter pages to stay informed on a daily basis.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Anchorage Election, Budget Update, Constituent Survey Results, and One Percent for Art
The countdown is on to the end of session. The budget remains the largest issue for the Legislature this session. In this newsletter, I have included the final results from our constituent survey. Thank you to all who responded! I hope everyone has a great Passover and Easter weekend. And please be sure to vote in our local election!
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