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.
Read More →
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!
Read More →
Thank you to everyone who attended my Constituent Pizza Party last weekend with Senator Costello and Representative Vazquez. It was great to reconnect with many West Anchorage friends and neighbors. With 24 days left in the 90 day legislative session, we have lots of work ahead. The conversations from last weekend will help guide many of my decisions as your representative in the weeks ahead.
Read More →
On Tuesday, Governor Walker introduced a Medicaid expansion and reform bill. Earlier this session, I explained in this electronic newsletter why I support increasing access to affordable healthcare to more Alaskans while boosting our state’s economy. Over 75% of those who responded to our constituent survey support Medicaid expansion. I will continue to support Medicaid expansion for those reasons.
Read More →
The House voted on the Operating Budget just after midnight on Thursday night and it is now on its way to the Senate for further consideration. I have some concerns with this version of the budget in light of the substantial cuts already proposed by the Walker-Mallott Administration. Approving the budget is a continuing process that we will follow closely in the weeks ahead. As always, I value feedback from West Anchorage residents and neighbors in order to better represent you. Please let me know if you ever have any issues or concerns!
Read More →Everyone in the Legislature understands that the budget is the most important issue that we will consider this year. We are now 44 days into the 90 day legislative session, and you now have the opportunity to exercise your right to be heard on the budget. The Legislature is in the process of making tough decisions about government programs and services, the level at which we will fund programs and changes, and how to continue a strong state economy. Hearing from you about your thoughts and suggestions about the budget is always helpful as we continue to discuss and make decisions about the budget.
Read More →
There are a couple of great opportunities for public testimony in the next week. I always value feedback from West Anchorage residents and neighbors in order to better represent you. Please let me know if you ever have any issues or concerns!
Read More →
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Two voter initiatives from the November 2014 Election take effect today: the marijuana initiative and the minimum wage initiative.
Read More →
A goal for both the Legislature and the Walker-Mallot Administration is delivering affordable energy to all Alaskans. Alaska is a resource rich state, yet the cost of energy is very high in Fairbanks and many rural communities. Of course, keeping consumer costs down and affordable in Anchorage will always be a top priority. Here in Juneau, we’ve been learning about an innovative way to address Railbelt electricity costs that I would like to share with you.
Read More →
The budget continues to be the largest driver this legislative session. Every department is being carefully scrutinized, and legislators are asking tough questions about the effectiveness of each program. I am taking a common sense approach and looking for cost savings for the state. Please let me know if you have thoughts or suggestions regarding the budget or any other issue.
Read More →