NEWS: House Republican Leadership Illegally Appeals Lawsuit to Stop Medicaid Expansion in Alaska
Juneau – The Republican-controlled leadership in the Alaska House of Representatives has filed an appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court of a lawsuit challenging Medicaid expansion in Alaska without approval of the full Alaska Legislature as required by law. The ill-advised lawsuit was dismissed in March by a Superior Court Judge after finding that the Social Security Act allowed the Governor to initiate Medicaid expansion and that existing state law required Governor Walker to provide Medicaid to the group of Alaskans eligible for expansion.
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OPINION: Alaska needs to make deep cut in oil tax credits, and soon
By Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Rep. Andy Josephson, and Rep. Ivy Spohnholz – Published Apr. 28, 2016 ADN
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Legislative Update: The Outstanding Issues
We are now 95 days into the second session of the 29th Legislature and there are still a number of issues that have yet to be resolved. These include the Omnibus Crime Bill (SB91), the Operating and Capital Budgets, a new plan for drawing from the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve (SB128 & HB245), and a revision of our generous Oil and Gas Tax Credit System (HB247). At this time, most other legislation is essentially dead and the majority of the attention has been focused on these key issues. (Some bills, like the Campus Carry Bill could always resurface, however).
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NEWS: The Late Rep. Max Gruenberg’s Final Bill Passes the Alaska Legislature, With a Little Help From His Friends
Juneau – Today, House Bill 147 passed the Alaska Senate by a unanimous vote. Earlier this month, the bill passed the Alaska House of Representatives, also by a unanimous vote. The bill was the brainchild of the late Rep. Max Gruenberg who passed away suddenly in February at the age of 72 while still in office. Rep. Liz Vazquez (R-Anchorage) sponsored HB 147, which does several things including allowing the well-being of pets to be considered by courts in divorce proceedings. Rep. Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage) was appointed to the District 16 seat held by Rep. Gruenberg and she quickly became a co-sponsor of HB 147.
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NEWS: Alaska House Votes to Oppose the Sale of Frankenfish
Juneau – The Alaska House of Representatives voted unanimously Friday night in favor of House Joint Resolution 28 sponsored by House Resources Committee member Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage). HJR 28 puts the Alaska House on record opposing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of a genetically engineered salmon being sold for human consumption. Additionally, the resolution urges Congress to enact legislation requiring genetically engineered products be labeled.
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Rep. Josephson’s Newsletter: Legislative Update: Anchorage LIO & HB247
The end of the 90-day session is quickly approaching. Conference committees were appointed by both the House and the Senate earlier this week so we are now in the 24-hour rule. If you are not sure what the 24-hour rule entails here is a short video explaining the rule by journalist Jeremy Hsieh.
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