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 has the highest level of state spending, but that’s not the whole story
One of the issues dividing Alaska’s legislators is the level of state spending. Some lawmakers want to continue to cut spending before considering introducing or raising taxes, or making long-term cuts to Permanent Fund dividends. Others are concerned about the loss of services and the effect on the state’s economy from deeper cuts. So, how high is Alaska’s spending? It's a complicated issue. Listen now
Walker vetoes bills allowing lawmakers on gas pipeline board, insurers to use credit scores
Governor Bill Walker vetoed two bills this week that would have allowed legislators to serve on the board overseeing gas pipeline development, and insurers to use credit scores to adjust rates. Listen now
Legislative working group could aim to resolve thorny problems
Alaska’s Legislature has adjourned, but that doesn’t mean lawmakers’ work is done for the year. They’re considering bringing a small group of legislators together to work on agreements on major unresolved issues, which could set the foundation for another special session or the next regular session. Listen now
Senate gavels out and ends its special session
Three days after the state House’s adjournment, the Senate has also gaveled out, ending the the latest special session in Juneau. In closing remarks, senators differed over how successful the body was in addressing the state’s legislative challenges this year. Listen now
Having taken zero actions, House ends special session
The House ended its special session Friday, having taken no actions during the five days. Listen now
Walker spells disaster if Legislature stalls on budget
Governor Bill Walker’s administration has spelled out what it would mean if the Legislature doesn’t take action on his plan to fund state government. With no more money, in two years the state would slash services, jobs, and the support it gives to local schools and communities. Listen now
Fate of PFD could be decided in joint House-Senate meeting
The fate of the $1 thousand dollar Permanent Fund Dividend cut could be decided on Friday. Listen now
Legislature looks to move forward despite apparent gridlock
Whether the Legislature will take action in the special session remains uncertain today. The House is divided over whether or not to try to overturn Governor Bill Walker’s vetoes of Permanent Fund Dividend money or other budget items. And it’s not clear whether there’s enough votes to pass any of the bills Walker called them into the session to consider. Listen now
Legislators return for fifth special session
Legislators returned to Juneau today for the fifth special session since last summer. And lawmakers were greeted by a group of 20 protesters who want them to close the state’s budget shortfall. Listen now
Alaskans begin to feel state budget cuts
Alaskans are already starting to feel the effects of state budget cuts, from shorter court hours to last minute local budget negotiations. Listen now
Walker faces recall effort in response to budget vetoes
Governor Bill Walker faces a potential campaign to recall him from office. Joe Miller backs the effort. He was the runner-up in the 2010 U.S. Senate campaign and 2014 Senate Republican primary. Listen now
Legislative Council votes not to appeal Walker’s expansion of Medicaid eligibility
The Legislative Council voted today not to appeal a decision that upheld Governor Bill Walker’s action to expand Medicaid eligibility in the state. The vote ends the lawsuit less than a week after a separate court decision ruled that the House can’t take over the appeal from the council. Download Audio
Gov. Walker’s budget vetoes total $1.29B; dividend cut in half
Governor Bill Walker cut Permanent Fund dividends Wednesday to $1,000 per person, about half of the projected amount. The cut was one of a series of reductions that Walker made to lower the state's budget by $1.5 billion. Download Audio
Jahna Lindemuth to serve as next Alaska Attorney General
Governor Walker announced Tuesday afternoon that Jahna Lindemuth would succeed Craig Richards as the Alaska Attorney General. Download Audio
Possible Anchorage special session location would crimp fundraising
The Legislature will gather in Juneau on July 11th for its second special session this year. But, it might not be there for long. Lawmakers are talking about adjourning in Juneau and calling the Legislature’s own special session in Anchorage. Download Audio
Judge rules that the House cannot appeal Walker’s expansion of Medicaid
A judge ruled Friday the House can’t continue an appeal of Governor Bill Walker’s decision to expand Medicaid. This could be a fatal blow to the attempt to reverse the expansion. Download Audio
Benefits bill for law enforcement, firefighters’ survivors falls short
The survivors of law-enforcement officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty continue to face uncertainty over health insurance. That’s because the two houses of the Legislature couldn’t agree on a bill to provide benefits during the recent special session. Download Audio
Legislators respond to Walker’s latest special session
Alaska’s Legislature will have another 30 days beginning on July 11th to pass a long-term fiscal plan for funding state government. That’s because Governor Bill Walker called them back for another special session. Download Audio
Walker announces fifth special session after Legislature fails to restructure Permanent Fund
Gov. Bill Walker on Sunday called the Legislature back for another special session, after lawmakers failed to restructure Permanent Fund earnings.
Permanent Fund restructuring bill dies in House committee
A bill to restructure Permanent Fund earnings and cut fund dividends died in the House Finance Committee Friday. Download Audio