I’ve heard from almost 100 of you in the past few days opposing the proposed $60 million cut to the University of Alaska. These draconian cuts would greatly affect the way the university functions. They would cause hundreds of layoffs, severely hamper our research abilities, and have a massive impact on our local economy.
Read More →Juneau – One of the longest serving members of the Alaska Legislature, Representative Max Gruenberg (D-Anchorage), passed away Sunday morning at his home in Juneau.
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I will be back home in Fairbanks this weekend and I want to see you at the community meeting I will be holding with my colleague Rep. Scott Kawasaki Saturday February 13 at the Gulliver’s Books, 2nd Story Café (3525 College Road) from 1 to 3 pm. This will be a fun and informal opportunity to discuss the budget, the governor’s proposed fiscal plan, and the other issues that are important to you. Scott and I will provide lunch, and I hope you will bring your questions and ideas.
Read More →Juneau – Fairbanks area residents are invited to a community meeting Saturday afternoon in Fairbanks. The town hall meeting is being sponsored by House Finance Committee member Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and House Health and Social Services Committee member Representative Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks). The meeting will be a fun opportunity for people to discuss legislative and community issues with Reps. Kawasaki and Wool in an informal setting.
Read More →Juneau – Last Friday was the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Constitution. The convention in Fairbanks featured 55 Alaskans, elected from all regions and walks of life. These far-thinking delegates came together as one and crafted a document that has guided not only the state government, but also Alaska’s institutions and people. The constitutional example is being followed today by the Alaska Senate Democrats and the Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition as they propose a new structure for the 29th Alaska Legislature.
Read More →JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska State House of Representatives passed legislation that reforms the Alaska National Guard by creating a Code of Military Justice. House Bill 126 provides a framework of processes and consequences for members of the Alaska National Guard who violate military rules and orders.
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I was working on this week’s enewsletter about my bill to lower health insurance costs by reforming the rate review process, and then news broke yesterday afternoon that makes this bill even more important. Yesterday, the Division of Insurance announced it was cancelling Moda Health’s ability to sell or renew health insurance plans in Alaska. This leaves Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield as the only company selling individual health insurance, and now that one provider has a monopoly it is more important than ever that we a strong rate review process to protect Alaskans from unfair prices.
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Juneau – Today, the Alaska Division of Insurance cancelled Moda Health’s ability to sell health insurance in Alaska. That leaves Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield as the only company selling individual health insurance plans in Alaska. Representative Adam Wool (D- Fairbanks) responded to the news by highlighting the need to reform Alaska’s health insurance rate review process. Rep. Wool is the sponsor of House Bill 239 which would create a series of reforms to strengthen the Division of Insurance’s review process and make sure consumers are informed of proposed rate increases.
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Thank you for filling out my 2015 State Budget Survey. I received over 200 responses, and I appreciate each of you taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns about our state budget. It was clear from many of your responses that you understand there are no easy answers to solving the budget shortfall, and it will require a combination of cuts and new revenues. I enjoyed reading all your comments and ideas, and appreciate that you took the time to share them with me. As I begin the legislative session, it helps me to know what your priorities are.
Read More →Juneau – The Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition (AIDC) and Alaska Senate Democrats will hold a press availability before the start the Second Session of the 29th Alaska Legislature. The availability will allow lawmakers to discuss specific issues and take questions from the media. The press availability will be held Tuesday, January 19, at 9 am in the Fahrenkamp Room of the Capital Building in Juneau. The press availability will feature Alaska Independent Democratic Coalition Leader Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) and Alaska Senate Democrats Leader Sen. Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage).
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