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 state senators say PFD formula could be changed
Splitting the draw from permanent fund earnings between government and dividends would make dividends more predictable.
Alaska House subcommittees propose much smaller cuts than those in Dunleavy’s budget
The House Finance subcommittees have proposed a total of $47 million in reductions from the portion of the current budget the Legislature controls.
Alaska lawmakers weigh becoming only state to not fund medical education
Sixty-one percent of Alaska medical students who attend the WWAMI program return to Alaska. That’s higher than the national average of graduates who stay in state, but it’s lower than what Alaska lawmakers would like to see.
Governor’s team contrasts 10-year plan and alternatives, but House speaker says message is ill-timed
The plan looks at what the state would spend over the next 10 years if the Legislature adopts all of Dunleavy’s spending proposals — and if lawmakers and Alaskans amend the state constitution to limit spending.
Lawmakers, open meeting advocates criticize conditions for attending Dunleavy meetings
Dunleavy’s office described the events as discussions of the governor’s budget plan and amendment proposals. The next day, Americans for Prosperity Alaska posted online that it was hosting the events, along with terms and conditions for attendees.
Medicaid cuts, while aimed at access, still raise concerns
As Gov. Mike Dunleavy seeks to close a $1.6 billion budget gap, the administration looked to Medicaid, where it could cut a lot of costs: $249 million.
State forecasts higher oil prices, lower production in spring update
Combined with some other changes, the Alaska Department of Revenue now projects that the state will have $89 million less for this year’s budget. And it will have $39 million more for the 2020 budget that begins in July.
Republicans leave school budget subcommittee in protest over process
Chairman Rep. Dan Ortiz claims minority-caucus Republicans had more of a say on the governor’s ideas than they had in the past.
New House Tribal Affairs Committee aims to advance state relationships
The Alaska House has a new special committee to focus on tribal affairs. The committee will aim to advance relationships with tribes. Lawmakers spent the first few meetings getting an overview of how tribes...
House committee to hold budget hearings across Alaska
House Speaker Bryce Edgmon says the format will allow more Alaskans to speak face-to-face with lawmakers. But House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt opposes the idea for fiscal reasons.
Alaska, oil companies to determine economic viability of gasline within 60 days
Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he didn’t hear much interest in Alaska’s gasline at a conference in Texas. But he did hear interest from companies in investing in North Slope oil.
Bill would repeal conflict of interest requirements enacted last year
Alaska lawmakers want to repeal parts of a new law that requires them to declare a wider range of conflicts of interest: Senators say it's creating practical obstacles to serving their constituents.
Bill seeks to require jail time in cases similar to 2018 Justin Schneider assault
Soldotna Republican Sen. Peter Micciche, the bill sponsor, says the measure would prevent a case like that of Justin Schneider from happening again.
Republican senators concerned with scale of proposed budget cuts
While Democratic senators have been most outspoken in their opposition to Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget cuts, it’s the Republicans who control the Senate majority. Several Republican senators on the Finance Committee have expressed concerns.
Lawmakers want to know more about economic impact of state budget proposal
Alaska lawmakers still face a lot of uncertainty as they decide how deeply to cut funding for government services and permanent fund dividends — or whether to reopen a debate on taxes.
State labor economist says state policies have affected recession length
Dan Robinson, research chief for the state’s labor department, told the Senate Finance Committee that uncertainty over the size and spending of state government are contributing to Alaska’s recession.
Dunleavy announces Alaska National Guard deployment along Mexico border
The deployment is a response to President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration on the southern U.S. border last month.
Proposed initiative would move Legislature to Anchorage
Attempts to move Alaska’s capital historically have failed due at least in part to the cost. There has been only one previous initiative to move just the Legislature — to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2002. It failed by a two-to-one margin.
Dividend paybacks meet opposition in public testimony
While a majority spoke out against Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s legislation to pay back permanent fund dividend cuts from the last three years, others said PFDs should never have been cut in the first place.
Dunleavy defends budget in wide-ranging interview
In this interview with Alaska Public Media and KTOO’s Andrew Kitchenman, Alaska Gov. Michael Dunleavy weighs in on reactions to his proposed budget.