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.
Lawmakers pass permanent fund draw, spar over PFD effect
For the first time in the Alaska Permanent Fund’s 40-year history, the Legislature has adopted a plan to draw money from the fund to pay for state government. Gov. Bill Walker says he’ll sign it. Listen now
Sample sales present snag for overhaul of state alcohol laws
Until last week, alcohol sellers and others were in agreement over the need to make legal changes. Listen now
House passes bill to allow bonds to pay off oil and gas tax credits
The state owes the companies more than $800 million in credits. Listen now
Legislature’s plan to draw from permanent fund is silent on PFDs
Under this compromise bill, the Legislature would have to set PFD amounts each year, or it would have to set a formula through a different bill.
State analysts say requiring Medicaid recipients to work won’t save money
The state Department of Health and Social Services said the state would need to hire workers to ensure the state meets federal requirements. Listen now
Legislature limits bonds for pensions, but keeps them as potential tool
The bonds are part of an older state plan to borrow money specifically for investing, and to reduce the state’s pension obligations to its retired workers. Listen now
Doctors, hospitals may soon see delays from state in paying Medicaid bills
Some of Medicaid providers might have to close their doors and go out of business, according to assistant commissioner. Listen now
Legislative leaders aim for session end in days, not weeks
A major piece of the end-of-session talks is a bill to draw from Alaska Permanent Fund earnings to pay for state government. The conference committee on Senate Bill 26 is scheduled to meet Saturday. Listen now
State capital spending would be down slightly in Senate plan
Senate lawmakers heard public testimony on proposed capital budget, including from tourism industry representatives asking to restore $3 million for marketing the Senate cut. Listen now
Senate joins House in recognizing Alaska Native languages emergency
A report by the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council said the state should make it policy to promote Alaska Native language schools wherever possible. Listen now
Legislative Council adopts new sexual harassment policy
The council adopted a separate professional workplace conduct policy. It prohibits a variety of behavior. Listen now
What’s up with the state operating budget on day 99 of the legislative session?
The Permanent Fund Corp. is urging the Legislature to pass a plan – so that they’re able to manage fund investments more effectively. Listen now
No oil companies oppose bonds for tax credits, commissioner says
State payments for the credits slowed as oil prices fell. But companies have said the delayed payments have hurt development. Listen now
Alaska House and Senate pass dueling school funding plans
Both chambers passed bills focused on public education Saturday. House Bill 339 would increase state aid to school districts by $100 per student into the future. Listen now
Senate Medicaid budget cut may overstate savings
Federal and state law require certain Medicaid funding. The Senate’s Medicaid funding levels fall short of state projections for that obligation. Listen now
Rep. Kito will no longer commit to voting with Alaska House majority
He will continue to serve as the chairman of the Legislative Council and the House Labor and Commerce Committee. Listen now
House Judiciary chair says there won’t be a gun control law this session
“The bottom line was the National Rifle Association wasn’t willing to support a bill that allowed the ex-parte order to seize weapons,” Rep. Matt Claman said. Listen now
Senate passes its version of state budget after charged debate
The vote came after the Senate defeated 24 proposed amendments, including one that would have raised permanent fund dividends to the full amount. Listen now
Alaska Senate set to debate state budget on Thursday
The biggest difference from the House budget is that the Senate bill does not include $1.28 billion for school funding. The Senate would provide that money in separate legislation.
Workplace smoking ban advances
The bill was changed so that it won’t affect the use of electronic cigarettes or marijuana. It also would allow municipalities to opt out of the workplace smoking ban. Listen now