FEBRUARY 6, 2015  

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’ve got a lot to share with you this week.  As promised, I’ve got a report on the activities in the Resources and Health and Social Services Committee with updates on Medicaid expansion and the AKLNG Project.  Also in this edition is information about an exciting opportunity to be a part of drafting the Davis Park Master Plan, how you can honor some of the incredible volunteers in our neighborhoods, and news regarding our Airport Heights neighbor Scotty Gomez and other Alaskan athletes for taking a collective stand against domestic violence. 

Committee Updates: House Health and Social Services and House Resources

The House Health and Social Services Committee has been receiving overviews from various state agencies and we began hearing bills this week.  We heard and passed House Bill 39 (legis.state.ak.us/PDF/29/Bills/HB0039A.PDF) relating to creation of a Wellness Committee.  This bill creates a Wellness Committee to make recommendations on how to keep state employee health care costs down.  With tight budget times these recommendations have the potential to provide tremendous savings to our state.  

Russian Jack neighbor Lisa McGuire was in town this week for leadership meetings for her job at the Department of Health and Social Services. We love when constituents visit!

We also began hearings on House Bill 59 (legis.state.ak.us/PDF/29/Bills/HB0059A.PDF) to delay implementation of regulations related to marijuana concentrates.  This is part of a larger conversation taking place in the legislature regarding implementation of Ballot Measure 2, passed in November, directing the state to come up with the rules of legalized recreational marijuana use.  We heard from the head of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Cynthia Franklin that she feels a delay is unnecessary.  Ms. Franklin feels all the regulations can successfully be drafted and implemented in advance of the November delay set out by the initiative.  This is new for Alaska and while we are learning from Colorado and Washington on what to do and what not to do I want to make sure we have a system that works for Alaska.   Please get in touch with any questions.

Regarding Medicaid Expansion, Governor Walker just today released his report on expansion.  The Governor released the initial planning document for Medicaid expansion and reform, “The Healthy Alaska Plan — A Catalyst for Reform.” This document includes a new report from Evergreen Economics, of Portland, Oregon, with details on who is eligible for expansion.  I haven’t had a chance to review the document, but will review it as soon as possible.  I support Medicaid Expansion and want to make sure we do it right, to achieve the maximum support from the federal government, to reach the greatest number of Alaskans, to bring down healthcare costs, and to support economic growth that will result from expansion.  If you have questions about eligibility or want to learn more let us know and we can share documents and information.  

In the House Resources Committee, we’ve also been having important overviews and updates from the Department of Natural Resources, including an update from the AKLNG Project Director Steve Butt.  Hearing from the department is especially helpful with a change in administration.  I was impressed by Commissioner Mark Myer(dnr.alaska.gov/commis/biopage.html#MartyRutherford) when he presented an overview of department activities.  I was pleased to hear more interest and support for the activities of the Division of Agriculture during his presentation.  We’ve been working to promote Alaska Grown.  And, I can’t let go of the fact that if Alaskans spent just $5.00 more on Alaska Grown each week, those purchases would bring millions of dollars in economic development to our Alaskan economy. 

The report on the AKLNG Project activities are proceeding as planned.  Director Steve Butt could not give specifics on the discussions, but shared information on how decisions are being made.  What I will work to ensure is that the state be able to participate as a full partner in the project, meaning we have a seat at the table for decision making, and that we fully consider how in state demand for natural gas will be met with this large scale export project. 

I attended a presentation from the Children's Justice Task Force detailing their recommendations for keeping our kids safe. Prevention is a proven tool and this information reinforces my commitment to Erin's Law.

The project is being managed by teams of people for each major area, including pipe design and technical concerns, marketing of the gas, permits and land use considerations, taxation for local municipalities, in-state use and more.  On each of the teams the State of Alaska has representation to make sure the deal works for Alaska.  It is expected that the legislature will have a Special Session in October to consider the first round of agreements, including transportation agreements and our relationship with TransCanada (currently acting on the state’s behalf), joint venture agreements, and more.  To read more about the project, visit this link to the Office of the Federal Pipeline Coordinator: arcticgas.gov/alaska-lng-project

You can view the presentation we received here.

Other Announcements

First Lady Volunteer of the Year Awards!  Nominations are being sought for the 2015 First Lady Volunteer of the Year award.  Take a few minutes to nominate your favorite volunteer; let’s recognize the great work that our local volunteers do.  Nominations are due by March 2, and more information can be found on the Governor’s website, linked below.

http://gov.alaska.gov/Walker/governors-office/volunteer-awards.html

Airport Heights Legend Scotty Gomez Takes Stand Against Domestic Violence

Scotty Gomez, NHL Hall-of-Famer and our Airport Heights neighbor, has joined with many other Alaskan athletes to take a stand against domestic violence and child abuse in Alaska.  This is a high priority for me and we’ve been working hard to pass prevention legislation like Erin’s Law to keep our kids safe.  These athletes are bringing a huge level of visibility to this incredibly important issue; check out the link below to read the full article.

http://alaskasportshall.org/2015/02/alaska-athletes-stand-together-domestic-violence/

Upcoming Events

Do you love Davis Park?  Now is your chance to weigh in!  Please mark your calendars for the upcoming open house to hear from neighbors on the Davis Park Master Plan.  This document will guide development in the park and addition of new recreational opportunities.  Davis Park is a big part of our community, so let’s make sure all of us are involved in the planning process.

What:   Davis Park Master Plan Open House

When:  Tuesday, February 10^th

Time:    5:30-7:30

Where: Mountain View Library

Sincerely,

Representative Geran Tarr