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 House votes to shut down budget debate
The Alaska House voted to shut down debate on the state budget. Listen now
Senate passes bill drawing from Permanent Fund
The state Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would draw money from the Alaska Permanent Fund to pay for the state government’s budget. The bill also would limit Permanent Fund dividends, as well as overall amount the state can spend. Listen now
Alaska state senators scour budget in hopes of $300M in cuts
The state Senate is looking to make up to $300 million in cuts to the state budget. But the Senate subcommittees looking to trim state agencies’ budgets are finding much smaller cuts. Listen now
House passes bill to provide benefits to family of fallen police, firefighters
The state House passed a bill Monday that would provide health insurance to the families of police officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty. Listen now
Now in minority, House Republicans fail to cut budget
The Republican House caucus is pushing to cut the state government budget. But they no longer hold the majority. Instead of shrinking, the House version of the budget has actually grown. Listen now
Rep. Wilson seeks deeper budget cuts, to no avail
The House Finance Committee voted to fully fund school debt reimbursement, and voted against cutting the Base Student Allocation.
Walker bill aims to curb opioid epidemic
A new bill is aimed at curbing opioid addiction and overdose deaths. The bill lets patients tell health care providers and hospitals to not give them opioids. It also requires health care providers receive training in opioid addiction. Listen now
New House minority Republicans vent, claim they’re sidelined in budget process
For years, the minority caucus in the Alaska House has had a say in the state’s budget. But that may not happen this year, as the majority caucus looks to tap Permanent Fund earnings to close the budget gap. Listen now
Public testimony tilts against oil and gas tax overhaul
Most Alaskans who offered public testimony Wednesday on a proposed overhaul of the state’s oil and gas taxes and tax credits opposed the measure. Listen now
Alaska lawmakers seek balance between public outcry over crime and national evidence
Lawmakers looking to tighten penalties for some felonies and thefts are weighing two factors. Listen now
Committee weighs cutting school debt payments
Alaskans would pay more in property taxes if the state government cuts the amount it pays to offset the debt to build schools. Listen now
Lawmakers split on Health and Social Services budget changes
Differences between lawmakers are emerging on how deeply to cut the state budget. Listen now
Activists call for Alaska town halls, but senators say they’re accessible
People across Alaska are asking U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski to hold town hall meetings where they can express their opposition to policies being pursued by President Donald Trump. They’re joining a national effort by Trump opponents who want Congress to act as a check on the president. Listen now
Senate majority unveils spending limit, Permanent Fund draw
The Senate majority unveiled its plan to limit state spending and draw money from Permanent Fund earnings to pay for the state budget Friday. Listen now
Alaska sees positive federal signals on individual insurance market
Gov. Bill Walker’s administration is asking the federal government to take on much of the cost of supporting the individual insurance market. Listen now
Lindemuth takes step to attorney general confirmation
Alaska moved a step closer Wednesday (Feb. 22) to permanently filling the position of attorney general. Listen now
State draw proposals are reasonable, Permanent Fund head says
There are three different proposals to draw money from Alaska Permanent Fund earnings to pay for part of the state government’s budget. Listen now
Walker orders state agencies to pursue grants to fight opioid epidemic
Gov. Bill Walker took action this week to try to stem the epidemic of overdose deaths from heroin and other opioid drugs.
Reserves, dividends would be gone in 10 years without action, lawmakers told
Alaska’s budget reserves could be gone in 10 years if the state government doesn’t take action to balance its budget, the Legislature’s nonpartisan finance expert said Wednesday (Feb. 15). Listen now