Andrew Kitchenman, Alaska Public Media & KTOO - Juneau
Andrew Kitchenman is the state government and politics reporter for Alaska Public Media and KTOO in Juneau. Reach him at akitchenman@alaskapublic.org.
Alaska Legislature passes budget with $1,000 PFD, no stimulus
The Alaska Legislature passed a budget over the weekend with roughly $5.4 billion in state spending. It includes funding for $1,000 Permanent Fund dividends, but no stimulus payments.
Alaska Supreme Court challenges lawyers on both sides in Dunleavy recall arguments
The justices expressed some skepticism toward the arguments made by both sides.
Alaska Legislature eases unemployment insurance benefit rules, weighs other emergency measures
Both chambers passed a bill, House Bill 308, that would ease access to unemployment insurance benefits for those affected by the pandemic. The measure would eliminate the one-week waiting period for benefits. And it would raise the benefit per dependent, from $25 to $75 per week.
State Senate approves $1,000 stimulus checks
The Alaska Senate passed the state budget on Monday, including a $1,000 economic stimulus payment to everyone who received a permanent fund dividend last year.
As Legislature looks to pass budget and coronavirus response, the dividend is major question
As the Alaska Legislature weighs passing the budget and coronavirus relief in the coming days, lawmakers are considering how to pay for them.
Gov. Dunleavy’s COVID-19 economic plan includes dividend payments in April, plus $1 billion in statewide relief
Dunleavy called for $1,300 dollar Permanent Fund dividend payments in April, as well as for a one billion dollar fund, to stabilize the state’s economy.
State workers union expresses concerns about coronavirus exposure risks
The union says state workers are dealing with the public in ways that run counter to recommendations from President Donald Trump and state Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink.
Alaska Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux charged with voter misconduct
Anchorage Republican Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux was charged by state prosecutors Friday with voter misconduct and unlawful interference with voting.
LeDoux was in a House floor session in Juneau while prosecutors announced the charges at a...
Former Alaska Senate President Pete Kelly registers as a lobbyist
Kelly represents the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. And he’ll also be doing work for clients of the Mulder Co., run by lobbyist Eldon Mulder.
Alaska Legislature quickly passes state funding for coronavirus response
On the same day that Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed an emergency disaster declaration in order to free up resources to help the state prepare for coronavirus, the Alaska Legislature voted on Wednesday to approve $4.1 million in state funding to respond to coronavirus.
Group says Alaska isn’t meeting commitment to fund rural schools
In June, Dunleavy vetoed half of the money the Legislature budgeted for rural schools. The Coalition for Education Equity of Alaska asked the governor to reverse the veto last July.
Lawmakers crafting plan to end session if coronavirus comes to Juneau
The Legislative Council formed an emergency response preparedness subcommittee Tuesday that would develop a plan for an early adjournment of the session.
Alaska Legislature restricts travel and state imposes out-of-state travel ban and freezes hiring
The state has instituted a freeze on hiring new state workers, and has suspended all out-of-state travel for state workers.
Dunleavy’s town hall meetings suspended so he can monitor coronavirus
Governor Mike Dunleavy has suspended three public town hall meetings he was planning to hold this week.
Alaska state Rep. Eastman loses committee seats, may lose caucus position
Wasilla Republican Rep. David Eastman has been removed from his committee positions, and his status in the House minority caucus is uncertain
The state has tested 4 people for coronavirus, 2 tests are pending, testing approach is “phased,” medical officer says
The state has so far tested four people for COVID-19. None tested positive. Testing for two others is in progress.
Alaska House passes budget bill with speed unseen since ’93
This is the earliest the House has passed a budget since at least 1993. The bill doesn’t include money for Permanent Fund dividends. House leaders say PFDs will be addressed in a later bill.
House bill would pay roughly $900 PFDs under new formula
Leaders of the Alaska House majority have introduced a bill that would set permanent fund dividends at roughly $900. That’s a little more than half of the $1,600 dividends paid out the last two years and significantly less than the roughly $3,000 Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants under the formula set in state law.
3 Alaskans tested so far for coronavirus; state officials urge precautions
Alaska has begun testing for coronavirus within the state. And there have been no reported cases so far.
Lawmakers, Alaska Permanent Fund trustees differ on how to protect reserve
Alaska lawmakers and the trustees that govern the Alaska Permanent Fund have different ideas about how to protect the fund’s future. The difference is based in politics — and math.
The Alaska Permanent Fund has...