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.
LISTEN: Alaska Gov. Dunleavy remains skeptical of cutting PFD, and says he’s still pursuing campaign agenda
Dunleavy said Tuesday that the campaign to recall him hasn’t changed how he does his job. But he said he has given the issue some thought. Listen to Dunleavy's full 17-minute interview with Juneau correspondent Andrew Kitchenman here.
Bipartisan bill aims to improve Alaska students’ reading skills
Alaska lawmakers announced a bipartisan bill on Wednesday that’s intended to improve students’ reading skills.
Tribal education compacts, easier veto overrides and faster rape kit results in the mix of new bills this session
Tribal education compacts, easier veto overrides and faster rape kit results in the mix of new bills this session
Public Defender Agency caseload may be compromising ability to meet ethical and constitutional obligations, report finds
The state’s Public Defender Agency has issued its response to a critical state report, saying that Alaska shouldn’t join other states in failing to represent low-income defendants.
Sponsor says Alaska elections initiative has enough signatures to be placed on ballot
Several ballot initiatives and village public safety are among the issues likely to draw attention ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Council adopts stipends to help legislative aides pay for sessions in Juneau
Senate President Cathy Giessel, an Anchorage Republican, said the new stipend would make it easier to hire and keep qualified staff members.
Budget scenarios include ‘balanced approach’ that draws interest
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has introduced a budget that would draw down most of what remains in the state's Constitutional Budget Reserve. But deep inside another report is a possible framework for balancing the budget in the long run.
Planned Parenthood sues Alaska over law requiring abortion providers to be doctors
The lawsuit challenges an Alaska law that prohibits nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse midwives from providing abortions.
Experts describe potential benefits from state-tribal education compacts
While Gov. Mike Dunleavy has said he wants to have public education compacts with tribes, his administration has yet to spell out the details.
Judge rules that forward funding of schools is constitutional
The Dunleavy administration argued that the funding violated the state constitution’s prohibition on dedicated funds, as well as the constitution’s provision for an annual state budget. The judge rejected both of these arguments.
Dunleavy’s new budget may again seek deep cuts, bigger PFDs
Gov. Mike Dunleavy may again seek deep cuts in state spending, along with higher permanent fund dividends, when he introduces his second budget this week.
Alaska state government forecasts lower revenue for this year and next
The Alaska Department of Revenue forecasts $187.3 million less in state revenue this year than it did in the spring.
PFDs, state funding at risk if Alaska Permanent Fund earnings reserve falls to zero, board hears
At some point in the next decade, the Alaska Permanent Fund may not have enough cash to pay out permanent fund dividends and to pay for state government.
Anchorage Republican Gillis sworn in as newest Alaska House member
Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed Anchorage Republican Mel Gillis after Josh Revak moved up from the House to fill the Senate vacancy caused by the death of Sen. Chris Birch.
State settles lawsuit over Alaska Hire law
The administration of Gov. Mike Dunleavy has settled a lawsuit seeking to have the Alaska Hire law declared unconstitutional.
The company Colaska Inc. sued the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development in July over the law. Colaska lawyer...
Sponsors of complex ‘Alaska’s Better Elections Initiative’ say its benefits are clear
Advocates for the proposed ballot initiative say it would promote more open politics in the state — but state Republican leaders say it’s unconstitutional.
‘A hidden giant’: Alaska Legislature’s nonpartisan voice on the state budget is retiring
As the Alaska Legislature’s chief budget analyst, Teal has been the go-to source for nonpartisan information on state spending and revenues. That will end next month when Teal retires. And budget experts say Teal’s work will be missed.
Dunleavy revenue commissioner resigns as state budget proposal deadline approaches
Bruce Tangeman has resigned as commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue, the Office of the Governor announced Nov. 15.
Dunleavy statement on school funding stirs hope among education advocates
The governor said he views “education as the cornerstone to any society.”
Judge rules funding schools a year ahead is valid, dealing defeat to Dunleavy
A state judge ruled on Thursday that school funding for this year that the Alaska Legislature passed last year is valid.