Lisa Murkowski

I appreciate the fact that you are trying to focus us as policymakers on the area that is really troubled right now, and this is the individual market, and to look specifically to how we can provide for the stabilization.

The legislation is HR 236, introduced on January 3, 2017 by Congressman Young and S. 269 introduced on February 1, 2017 by Senators Murkowski and Sullivan.

The Medicaid system is one that is absolutely imperative and vital for members of our population who receive their care through the Medicaid program.

One of the concerns that I heard repeatedly was the level of regulatory burden that particularly our smaller rural hospitals are just feeling stifled by.

We need some flexibility in order to implement some of the innovations.

I look forward to more conversation on that.

What can we do to ensure that coverage options are provided for those in this new era of health care reform?

We are committed and adamant that that coverage be able to be continued.

There is added benefit to being one of the last in the chain here to ask questions, because it certainly gives me a clear idea of where you're coming from, Congressman, on some of these issues that are so important to us.

There are certain exemptions that were included as part of the ACA, exemptions for Medicaid cost-sharing provisions.

What sort of considerations to Federal support for high-risk pools or State-based reinsurance programs would you consider?

It is of the utmost importance that this new program--which consolidated numerous existing programs--be funded at its authorized level.

I believe that decisions regarding publicly elected school boards and other local accountability measures like this are best left to State and local decisionmakers.

I have always supported great public schools and will continue to do so.

I was proud to join the lead sponsor of this amendment, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), in making sure that 21st CCLC was its own program in the reauthorization of ESEA.

I agree that the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) clearly prohibits the Federal Government from requiring States to adopt or change standards.

I need to have a very clear and a very firm commitment that the focus that you will give to not only Alaska, but to States that have significant rural populations, that these students who will not have alternatives, that that public school…

I appreciated the inquiry that Senator Kaine has been making, though, about the level of accountability.

I appreciated what you said in response to Senator Alexander's, the Chair's, questions about whether you would work to move toward a voucher type of a system if, in fact, we in the Congress said no, that is not the direction.

I want to make sure--and I think every one of those teachers that I met with on Saturday wants to make sure--that your commitment to public education, particularly for our rural students, who have no choices, is as strong and as robust as…

If I can just say right back to my friend that it was indeed a privilege and an honor to be recognized with the Jefferson-Lincoln Award, along with my colleague from Delaware. Particularly at times when political heat and rhetoric can be…

Thank you, Senator Sullivan, for your leadership on this and for convening this important field hearing.

One way or another the people of King Cove are going to find safety.

On their watch, they have turned their back on Alaskans, on Alaska Natives, on their responsibility.

This Administration is just running the clock. They are running the clock, and they will be able to wash their hands of it.