Juneau – Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham) issued the following statement in response to today’s release of a Public Safety Action Plan for the State of Alaska by Alaska Governor Bill Walker. The plan is intended to address growing concerns about increasing rates of crime in Alaska.
Video of the Alaska House Majority Coalition’s April 11th, 2017 press availability.
First, I hope to see many of you tomorrow morning at our Anchorage Caucus meeting being held from 10-12 at the Anchorage LIO, located at 1500 W. Benson Ave.
This week there has been, and will be, a TON of opportunity for people to come together and discuss smart policy ideas to help our friends and neighbors while we work to create a sustainable budget.Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan addressed the State Legislature this week. I support Senator Murkowski in her commitment to maintain Medicaid expansion, and welcome the opportunity to work with our national delegation to find solutions in any replacement to the Affordable Care Act.
Juneau – The members of the Alaska House Majority Coalition commend Governor Walker for his decision to sign a disaster declaration for the worsening opioid epidemic in Alaska. The disaster declaration allows a statewide program under the direction of Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer to facilitate the distribution of the life-saving drug naloxone, which is used to revive overdose victims. Earlier today, Governor Walker signed an Administrative Order that sets up an Incident Command System and directs all state departments to apply for federal grants to respond to the opioid epidemic.
Juneau – The Alaska House Majority Coalition will hold a press availability Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Speaker’s Chambers. The availability will allow members of the coalition to answer question from reporters covering the 30th Alaska State Legislature.
I am happy to report that with the election now over, we have a significant shift in the balance within the House of Representatives. 16 members of the Independent Democratic Caucus and 5 members of the Musk-Ox group (moderate Republicans and 2 rural Democrats) have joined to form a Bi-partisan Coalition in the House. I could not be more enthusiastic about the promise of what we can now get done in the House as the majority working together for the good of our state.
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.
