Senate Health Care Bill

Unveiled on Nov. 19, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been reviewed by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office to cut the budget deficit by $127 billion over ten years. In the second decade of implementation, the bill will reduce the deficit by $650 billion. The bill will extend insurance coverage to 31 million Americans who are currently uninsured. Click below for the full bill.

Holiday Mail for Heroes!

In this season of hope and giving the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes, Inc. have joined forces to invite Americans to “send a touch of home” to United States service members and veterans across the country and abroad. In its third year, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program is an opportunity to share joy and thanks with our service members throughout the holiday season by way of a greeting card.

Service Academy Nominations due December 1st

Each year I have the privilege of nominating outstanding Alaskan students for appointment to one of the four service academies.

Notice: All service academy nomination applications must be received by December 1st.

Stay Informed about the H1N1 Virus

With Flu Season upon us, Flu.Gov has been created to provide information on H1N1 and the seasonal flu.

The website can be used to get information on avoiding the flu, finding locations providing flu shots and staying informed through Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Call Senator Begich Toll Free!

(877) 501 - 6275: Toll Free for Alaskans

Senator Begich welcomes your input and inquires on issues and legislation. Alaskans with a (907) area code can now call Senator Begich's state headquarters in Anchorage toll free, (877) 501 - 6275.

Service Members Eligible for Stop Loss Pay

DOD will provide pay to service members who had their enlistment extended or retirement suspended due to Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. Soldiers are eligible to receive payments for each month they were retained on active duty.

Those eligible for the retroactive Stop Loss special payments have from now until Oct. 21, 2010 to submit their applications to their respective services.

PFD Reminder for Alaskans

Don't forget that your PFD is taxable income for Federal Income Tax returns. Be sure to set aside enough to cover your tax bill, or consider making an Estimated Payment when you get your PFD.