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.
Dunleavy’s per diem veto over PFD situation raises concerns for Legislature
Some lawmakers say Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of nearly $300 per day of living expenses for legislators over a PFD fight sets a dangerous precedent that could limit the number of Alaskans who could afford to be legislators.
Anchorage judge Jennifer Stuart Henderson to be newest Alaska Supreme Court justice
Dunleavy appointed Henderson six days after asking the Alaska Judicial Council for a new slate of nominees.
Budget working group aims for compromises that have eluded Alaska Legislature for years
The working group may consider changing the formula for setting permanent fund dividends, lowering the maximum amount that the state government can spend and raising new or higher taxes.
Protected portion of Alaska Permanent Fund grows by $4B thanks to apparent mistake
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he was going to veto the transfer. But his office failed to cross out the lines in the actual budget bill delivered back to the Legislature.
Dunleavy vetoes PFD funding from state budget, says dividends must be funded in special session
Dunleavy announced the veto as part of a larger list of line-item vetoes he announced on Thursday, a day after he signed the budget.
Gov. Dunleavy requests new nominees for Alaska Supreme Court seat
In a letter to the council, Dunleavy wrote “the slate of candidates put forward could be expanded to reflect the balance and diversity in philosophy and Alaskan experience requisite to adequately make a fair choice for the people of Alaska.”
Programs for lower electricity costs and scholarships still unfunded in state budget
Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed the state budget late Wednesday afternoon. But programs to lower the cost of electricity in high-cost areas and to pay for university scholarships won’t be funded starting on Thursday.
Alaska lawmakers voted to avert a shutdown this week, but it almost didn’t happen
And legislators have said successful communication will be important this summer. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has charged the Legislature with coming up with a long-term solution for the state budget. But the vote on the shutdown didn’t go smoothly. It almost didn’t happen.
Alaska House votes to avert government shutdown
House Speaker Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, said Monday's vote will likely come as a relief to many, including the state workers who would've gotten laid off under a shutdown.
Alaska House speaker expresses confidence in effort to avert shutdown
Alaska House Speaker Louise Stutes expressed confidence on Friday that the House will vote on Monday to avert much of state government shutting down, which could happen on July 1.
Here’s which Alaska services would stop if the state government shuts down next week
The House Finance Committee heard on Thursday from industry leaders who expressed concern about the impact of a shutdown on the private sector.
Dunleavy introduces new budget bill as legislators try to avoid government shutdown
A new version of the state budget from Gov. Mike Dunleavy would set the Permanent Fund dividend at roughly $2,350, but it would draw more than planned from Permanent Fund earnings.
Alaska’s second legislative special session starts with looming government shutdown
State officials are assessing which state services will continue and which will cease if the government shuts down on July 1, according to a spokesperson for the governor.
Here’s what you need to know about the Legislature’s stalled budget process
The Alaska legislative special session ended on Friday without an agreement to avoid a state government shutdown on July 1. Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the Legislature back into a new special session to start on Wednesday, June 23, with the goal of reaching agreement.
State workers receive layoff notices as governor calls Legislature’s budget ‘defective’
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that layoff notices are being sent to state workers on Thursday. He said that’s because the budget the Legislature passed is “defective” because it won’t go into effect by July 1.
Senate passes budget, motion funding $1,100 PFD fails
This year's Permanent Fund dividend will be $525 if the legislature doesn't add more funding later.
Credit rating agencies see improved outlook for Alaska, but note risks from budget uncertainty
As Alaska lawmakers decide what to do about the budget, one group that’s keeping an eye on the outcome are the agencies that rate the state’s ability to pay off its debts. And they say Alaska's rating is actually showing positive signs.
This year’s Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends would be $1,100 under budget compromise
This year’s permanent fund dividend would be $1,100 under a compromise budget proposal that the Legislature will vote on this week.
Gambling will be among options to close future state budget gap, Alaska revenue commissioner says
State Revenue Commissioner Lucinda Mahoney told the House Finance Committee on Tuesday that the options would include the governor’s proposal to expand gambling in the state. Previous estimates show that the proposal could raise anywhere from $2.3 million to $1.2 billion, depending on the details.
Alaska’s regular legislative session ends without final budget or PFD amount
Under a version of the state budget approved by the Senate Wednesday, Alaskans would get PFD checks of about $2,300. But, critics say it’s way too much money to draw from the fund’s earnings reserve.