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 legislators apologize after breaking COVID rules by bringing friends for ping-pong, basketball at Capitol gym
Members of the public who are barred from the state Capitol complex due to pandemic safety rules attended a social gathering with legislators in a complex building last week.
Much work remains for state budget that’s seen few changes so far
Behind schedule but moving forward, Alaska's state budget will be open for public testimony this week. So far, the House finance committee has made few large changes to the budget as proposed by Gov. Dunleavy.
Former troopers head Cockrell named Alaska public safety commissioner
Former head of the Alaska State Troopers Jim Cockrell has been appointed the new commissioner of the Department of Public Safety by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Alaska justices question Legislature’s ability to budget for schools, other items in future years
The questioning happened during oral arguments in a lawsuit between Gov. Mike Dunleavy on one side and the Legislative Council and school funding advocates on the other.
Federal rescue package complicates annual Alaska Permanent Fund dividend debate
With thousands of dollars in direct payments to Alaskans already coming from the federal government, lawmakers have to decide whether to fight for a hefty PFD for Alaskans that would drain state savings.
Alaska House passes disaster extension, sends bill to Senate where narrower legislation could emerge
Dunleavy opposes the extension, saying the state no longer needs to be in a state of emergency. That’s a change since Dunleavy proposed the bill earlier this year before the declaration expired.
Former Alaska House Speaker Gail Phillips dies
Phillips was born in Juneau, grew up in Nome and later lived in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Homer.
Attorney General nominee defends Dunleavy’s pandemic response at confirmation
Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor defended Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a confirmation hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
Dunleavy says returning to disaster declaration jeopardizes tourism
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy sent a letter to all legislators on Wednesday saying the state should not return to having a disaster declaration because it would lead travelers to assume that the COVID-19 situation in the state is worsening.
Patients, hospitals want Dunleavy and lawmakers to work out differences on disaster declaration
One of the consequences of not having an active disaster declaration is that out-of-state doctors can't practice telemedicine on Alaska patients.
In state budget testimony, more Alaskans favor spending on state programs over cutting
The Senate Finance Committee heard roughly four hours of public testimony from nearly 100 people last week. By a ratio of nearly six to one, more people testified in favor of spending on government programs compared with people favoring budget cuts.
COVID-19 testing will continue at Alaska Capitol after contract extended through June
The extension through June 30 also adds $1.5 million to pay for the contract, which was originally budgeted for up to $1 million. But the federal CARES Act could provide up to $4 million to pay for Capitol safety.
Alaska House staff member is third positive COVID-19 case at state Capitol this week
An Alaska House of Representatives staff member on Wednesday became the third person who works in the State Capitol with a positive COVID-19 test this week.
With rising oil prices, Alaska’s government projected to receive millions in revenue
Alaska’s state government is forecast to receive $791.3 million more in revenue over this year and next year than was projected last fall.
New attorney general targets Alaska’s high rate of sex crimes at confirmation hearing
During his confirmation hearing on Monday, Treg Taylor said his first priority as Alaska’s attorney general is to end the state’s position as the worst for sex crimes.
‘Let’s end this charade,’ Wasilla lawmaker says, removing his mask on the House floor
State Rep. Christopher Kurka of Wasilla left a House floor session on Monday morning after taking off his facemask.
Alaska Senate president has new view of COVID-19 threat after senior aide is hospitalized
A senior aide to Alaska Senate President Peter Micciche has been hospitalized with COVID-19. Micciche said the illness has given him a new perspective on the threat the disease poses to the people working in the Capitol.
Dunleavy backs off plan to split Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services
Members of the Alaska House of Representatives had prepared a resolution that would have blocked the order, which would have led to two departments: a Department of Health and a Department of Family Services.
Sen. Reinbold banned from most of Capitol until she follows COVID-19 rules
Reinbold hasn’t followed requirements to wear a face mask and to undergo the COVID-19 rapid tests and temperature screenings required of everyone entering the Capitol.
Legislators, others in Alaska State Capitol will be able to get vaccinated starting Friday
The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium is offering the shots to the 450 people who work in the Capitol.