Bills signed generating millions in new revenue and increasing access to healthcare across Alaska
June 16, 2016
Sponsored by Representative Dave Talerico of Healy, HB 137 increases hunting, trapping, and sport fishing fees, and generates over $9 million in annual revenue for the Department of Fish and Game. This will offset current and future cuts to the department, and help pay for the agency’s core services, including fish and wildlife management and research, habitat protection and restoration, and sport fisheries enhancement efforts. The money will also provide matching funds for federal aid dollars allocated to the department.
HB 137 signing: Gov. Walker with Rep. Talerico, Rep. Munoz, ADF&G staff, and members of user-groups
“With the state facing a $4 billion deficit, offsetting department cuts with new revenue is critical,” said Governor Walker. “This is the first time hunting, trapping, and sport fishing fees have been raised in over 20 years. I applaud Representative Talerico for bringing this measure forward, and these user-groups for doing their part to address Alaska’s budget challenges. This is the kind of pulling together we have been encouraging for over a year.”
HB 234 signing: Gov. Walker with Rep. Vazquez and staffer
“HB 234 will allow Alaskans to use the phone or internet to receive mental health services that are not physically available in their community – saving money and resulting in healthier people,” Governor Walker said. “I applaud Representative Vazquez for her work on this bill. This reform measure will expand access to quality healthcare across our state.”
Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews
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