NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Supports Legislation to Remove Unneeded Partner from AKLNG Natural Gas Pipeline Project
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska House of Representatives joined the Alaska Senate in approving legislation funding the buyout of TransCanada from the long-awaited AKLNG natural gas pipeline project. Removing TransCanada from the AKLNG partnership increases the state of Alaska’s total ownership share in the pipeline and associated infrastructure up to twenty-five percent.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Special Session and AK LNG Project Update
One week in to the third special session, and our time in Juneau has been focused on reviewing the complexities of the AK LNG pipeline project. The Governor called the Legislature into this special session to consider the buyout one of our partners in the project, TransCanada. Under the terms of our state’s agreement with TransCanada, the deadline for exercising the buyout option is December 31, 2015. I have learned a great deal about AK LNG since arriving in Juneau and want to share some of the more helpful presentations with you in this newsletter.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Lessons for Special Session
The third special session of the 29th Legislature begins today. As we begin carefully considering the AK LNG pipeline project, I am keeping in mind lessons that I learned during my recent visit with 2nd grade students. After all, some of the best lessons are those we learn early on.
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NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Ready for the Gasline Special Session
ANCHORAGE – The third Special Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature is scheduled to start Saturday morning with House and Senate floor sessions. Governor Bill Walker has scheduled a briefing for all lawmakers Saturday afternoon to outline the details of the three pieces of legislation that will be under consideration. The members of the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) are looking forward to the Governor’s detailed briefing but are dismayed by today’s announcement from the Senate President and the Speaker of the House that members of the House Finance and Senate Resources Committee’s will be encouraged to skip the briefing in favor of committee hearings on the same subjects at the same exact time as the Governor’s briefing.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Police Ride Along, RCA Report, Community Events
Happy Friday! Last Friday, I spent the evening and the night with the Anchorage Police Department, learning what it’s like to be a police officer in Anchorage. Thank you to all the men and women who serve in our community’s police force!
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Equal Rights Ordinance Passes Assembly
This morning, Anchorage woke up to snow on the ground and a new equal rights ordinance. Both events are exciting in their own way. The ordinance the Assembly passed late last night makes it illegal to discriminate over sexual orientation or gender identity. Supported by our business community, this ordinance is one of the many reasons Anchorage is such a great place to live, work, and play!
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NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Disappointed Legislative Council Fails to Withdraw Medicaid Expansion Lawsuit
ANCHORAGE – Earlier today, the Alaska State Legislature’s Republican-controlled Legislative Council failed to withdraw its ill-advised lawsuit against Governor Bill Walker over his decision to accept federal funds to expand eligibility for the Medicaid program in Alaska. The Legislative Council, which only includes one member of the minority in the House and Senate, met behind closed doors in Anchorage to discuss the Council’s lawsuit. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council took no action. The result of this inaction is that the lawsuit will continue.
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NEWS: Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Welcomes Special Session Focused on Natural Gas Pipeline Issues
ANCHORAGE – On Thursday, Alaska Governor Bill Walker issued a proclamation calling the Alaska Legislature into a special session next month. The governor is asking the Legislature to consider legislation to move a project forward to get the natural gas on the North Slope to market.
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Rep. Claman’s Newsletter: Alaska’s Fiscal and Economic Future Forum and PFD Time
Last weekend, I attended the “Alaska’s Fiscal and Economic Future” forum about Alaska’s fiscal challenges and different options for moving forward with a long-term fiscal plan for Alaska. As public officials consider a long-term fiscal plan for Alaska, it is important to hear from diverse groups of Alaskans and consider all of our options. In the midst of back to school activities and winding down summer activities, I hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful fall weather!
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NEWS: Democrats Disappointed GOP Leadership Bypassing Budget Savings
ANCHORAGE – Tuesday, the Chairman of the Alaska Legislative Council officially signed binding legal agreements with two law firms to continue a lawsuit against Alaska Governor Bill Walker over his decision to accept federal funding to expand Medicaid eligibility in Alaska. By signing the larger of the two contracts, the Alaska Legislature must immediately pay $100,000 to a Washington D.C. advocacy law firm.
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