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.
PFD announcement fanfare is gone as dividends are cut in half
If the state budget didn’t lower Alaska Permanent Fund dividends this year, they would have been among the highest in state history, at more than $2,300. Instead, they will be $1,100, deposited or mailed on Oct. 5. Listen now
Walker to add crime bill to October special session
A rise in crime in Alaska has led Gov. Bill Walker to seek a bill in the special session next month that would allow more jail time for some thefts and other crimes. Listen now
Lawmaker seeks audit of village public safety officers
A state lawmaker, who is concerned that the Village Public Safety Officer program isn't spending money efficiently, wants the program audited.
Sheldon Fisher appointed Alaska revenue commissioner
Gov. Bill Walker on Thursday announced he’s appointed Sheldon Fisher to be Alaska’s Department of Revenue Commissioner. Fisher is moving from being the Department of Administration commissioner. Listen now
As Trump slashes health care outreach 90 percent, Walker asks Congress to shore up system
Experts say support for reinsurance from bipartisan group of governors draws from Alaska’s experience. Listen now
Alaska attorney general joins others arguing that redistricting can be too partisan
Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth joined a legal brief in a U.S. Supreme Court case Tuesday, arguing that redistricting shouldn’t favor one political party. Listen now
Gov. Walker says fourth special will be in October, focus on revenue
Walker did not say what revenue options he’ll put on agenda for the session. There is a $2.36 billion gap between what the state spends and what it raises in taxes, fees and oil royalties.
Study says creating Alaska health care authority could save hundreds of millions of dollars
Alaska’s state and local governments could save roughly $200 million a year if it formed what’s called a health care authority. That’s according to a long-awaited study by three consultants released Wednesday. Listen Now
Alaska Democrats seek chance for independents to run in party primaries
The Alaska Democratic Party voted last year to change its rules to allow independents to run for its nomination for office. But state officials blocked the move. Now both sides are in court over the issue. Listen now
Update: PFD supporters plan to make case to voters
On Friday, The Alaska Supreme Court upheld Gov. Bill Walker’s veto that halved Permanent Fund dividends last year. Listen now
Juneau representatives disappointed with lack of progress on budget plan
Southeast Alaska lawmakers spent time during the legislative session working to protect regional interests, including the ferry system. The lack of agreement over a long-term plan to balance the state’s budget means there’s more work for them to do. Listen now
Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Mallott officially register for reelection run
Governor Bill Walker registered today as a candidate for next year’s election for governor. He’ll be joined again on an unaffiliated ticket by Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott. Listen now
Potential initiatives would enshrine Medicaid expansion, ACA provisions in state law
While Congress has debated repealing the Affordable Care Act, some doctors want to make sure that at least parts of the law remain in place in Alaska. They’re sponsoring two initiatives that could be on the ballot next year. Listen now
Why Amazon collects local sales taxes in other states — but not Alaska
If you live anywhere in the country with a sales tax, the online retailer Amazon collects it – except in Alaska. Alaska is unique because it’s the only state with local sales taxes but no statewide tax. Listen now
Permanent Fund Corp. headquarters to undergo $4 million renovation
The renovation will open up space. Some internal walls will be torn down. And the new space will let the corporation hire more workers, so more of fund is managed by corporation employees. Listen now
Walker receives national attention as example for political independents
Walker said on Politico’s Off Message podcast that Trump’s stated wish to achieve energy dominance is good for Alaska. Listen now
Egan calls for criminal justice bill, income tax
State Sen. Dennis Egan said the Legislature should have passed a bill revising last year’s criminal justice overhaul. Listen now
Lt. Gov. Mallott says he and Gov. Walker will run for re-election
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott said Wednesday that he and Gov. Bill Walker will run for re-election next year. He also said they’ll run together. Even for incumbents, that may be an uphill fight. Listen now
Closed process on capital budget draws criticism
In five and a half hours on July 27, the two chambers met, formed a conference committee and passed the $1.4 billion capital budget. Listen now
Revenue commissioner resigns to serve ministry
Randall Hoffbeck announced Tuesday he’s resigning as Commissioner of Revenue on Aug. 17, in order to return to the ministry. Listen now