As we approach the 90th day of the legislative session, I’ll continue to keep you updated about legislative happenings in Juneau. Committees continue to consider the revenue bills as well as the proposals to restructure the Permanent Fund.
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As the legislative session continues, I am committed to keeping you updated on efforts to address Alaska’s fiscal challenges. The House Finance Committee is considering House Bill 249, which will raise motor fuel tax rates on vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. HB 249 is one of nine different revenue proposals recommended by the Walker-Mallott administration as part of its “complete solution to our fiscal situation.”
Read More →Press availability from March 29th, 2016 featuring Representatives Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage), Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan), and Matt Claman (D-Anchorage).
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We are all saddened by the senseless injury and loss of life in the terrorist bombings on Tuesday morning in Brussels. My heart goes out to all whose family and loved ones were killed or injured by the horrendous attacks. Our thoughts are with the people of Belgium.
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Now that the House and Senate have both passed an operating budget, the next question is “How do we fund state government?” We did not look at cost savings and revenue generation at the same time, which means we have a lot of work to do with only 30 days left in the session. West Anchorage constituents have told me that we can’t kick the can down the road and hope that the price of oil goes up. We need a responsible action plan for Alaska—and we need it this year.
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The House debated the budget until early this morning, which finally passed around 3am. The House consider several amendments, which included additional cost savings as well as funding for programs benefitting seniors, early childhood education, and public safety.
Read More →Juneau – The Democrats in the Alaska House of Representatives will meet as soon as possible to deliberate on Governor Walker’s choice of Ivy Spohnholz to replace the late Representative Max Gruenberg as the Representative for House District 16.
Read More →Juneau – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 23 by a vote of 36-0. The bill, sponsored by Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), passed the Alaska Senate last year by a vote of 19-1.
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Thank you to everyone who completed our constituent survey! Your feedback is very helpful as we work through the state’s budget challenges. There are still several opportunities to share your perspective at hearings on the budget and the Governor’s revenue bills. I will keep you notified as more opportunities become available. Currently, no public testimony has been scheduled for
Read More →Juneau - Today, Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner issued a ruling in the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council against Alaska Governor Bill Walker over his decision last year to expand Medicaid without legislative approval. Judge Pfiffner found that the Social Security Act requires Medicaid expansion, and that existing state law required Governor Walker to provide Medicaid to the group of Alaskans eligible for expansion. In his 26-page ruling, Judge Pfiffner granted the Governor’s motion for summary judgement and dismissed the case brought by the Alaska Legislative Council, which is made up of ten members of the Alaska Legislature.
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