SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

Medicaid Expansion, Denali Park Needs Your Input, and Fairbanks Events

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Fellow Fairbanksans,

The leaves are almost gone and fall is starting to wind down here in Fairbanks.  September brought the official beginning of Medicaid expansion, making health care available to up to 40,000 Alaskans.  It’s always good to be an Alaskan, but it feels even better now that we've gone through with this expansion.​  I wanted to send you an update on what's happening and bring attention to some upcoming events in our community.

Medicaid Expansion Moves Forward, Courts Reject Efforts to Block Expanding Access to Health Care

The Department of Health and Social Services is now accepting new applications for Medicaid.  If you think you or someone you know may be eligible for Medicaid, you can visit their website here to check income requirements and fill out an application.  If you need assistance, please feel free to contact my office at 452-6084.

Unfortunately, there are still people trying to block this money-saving move for Alaskans. The Legislative Council filed a lawsuit against the Governor to stop Medicaid expansion, which you can read more about here. Now that Alaskans are receiving health care under this program and the economic benefits are beginning, I hope the Legislative Council will reconsider and drop the lawsuit so we can move on to more important issues.  It’s a waste of state funds that we need to provide services to Alaskans, not fight unproductive lawsuits.  The Independent Democratic Coalition and Senate Democrats are speaking out against the lawsuit, and we have written letters to the Legislative Council asking them to reconsider.  You can read more about that here.

Adam and former UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers at the retirement celebration honoring Chancellor Rogers' many years of service to our community.

Denali National Park Looking for Input on Trails

There is a great opportunity to influence the future of Denali National Park happening now.  The park is updating their trails plan and they want input on new trail ideas and how to improve existing trails.  They are also looking for comments about including bicycles and pets on trails.  They are currently planning a Nenana River Trail and a Mt. Healy Overlook Loop Trail, so they are looking for comments on these specific projects as well as ideas for future trails.  You can find more information and submit your comments here.  The deadline for submitting comments is October 1.

Adam and Rep. Scott Kawasaki presenting an honorary citation they co-sponsored to the owners of Lemongrass Thai Cuisine, recognizing the many delicious Thai restaurants in Fairbanks.

What's Happening Around Town: Fiscal Future, F35s, and Natural Gas

The Tanana Valley League of Women Voters is hosting a series of events focusing on Alaska's fiscal future.  The events are being held each Wednesday evening until October 7 in the Noel Wien Library Auditorium from 6:30-8:45 PM.  Each week focuses on a different aspect of our state fiscal situation with different speakers from state and local government.  On October 7, I will be participating in the last forum, a Q&A session with interior legislators, from 7-9PM (note the time difference).  For more information, see the League of Women Voters' website. 

The Air Force is hosting a public meeting to receive comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for placing the F35s at Eielson AFB.  The Fairbanks meeting is on Wednesday, September 23 at West Valley High School, with an open house from 6-6:30 PM and formal hearing with opportunity to give comments beginning at 6:30 PM.  This is a great chance for our community to show support for bringing the F35s to Fairbanks.  If you can't make it to the meeting, you can also submit comments online until October 20.

Alaska LNG is hosting an open house to inform the public on the latest news about the gas line on Tuesday, September 29 from 6-8PM at the Westmark Hotel.  For more information, you can visit theirwebsite​.

I work for you.  As always, please let me know your thoughts, ideas, or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Representative Adam Wool