Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media - Juneau
Eric Stone covers state government, tracking the Alaska Legislature, state policy and its impact on all Alaskans. Reach him at estone@alaskapublic.org.
Alaska Legislature takes up bill to restore pensions for public employees
A proposal to revamp the retirement system for Alaska’s state and local government employees is scheduled for debate in the state Senate this week.
Protestors rally for school funding increase outside Alaska State Capitol
Hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Monday to call for an increase in education funding.
Bill backed by Southeast communities would tighten hunting and fishing license residency requirements
Backers of the measure say it would close a loophole that makes it difficult for state wildlife troopers to prosecute nonresidents who obtain the cheaper resident licenses.
A dozen executive orders from Gov. Dunleavy draw scrutiny
The orders are largely aimed at eliminating or reorganizing state boards and commissions, and some lawmakers are skeptical.
Wide-ranging Alaska House education bill would boost school funding but faces uncertain future
The legislation includes priorities important to many Republicans in the Alaska House, but some key lawmakers say they have doubts.
Alaska House removes Rep. David Eastman from Judiciary Committee
The removal further marginalizes Eastman, R-Wasilla, one of the Alaska House of Representatives' most conservative members.
Alaska Legislature fails to override governor’s veto of $87M in public school funding
The vote failed 33-26. Three quarters of the combined bodies, or 45 votes, would have been required to override the veto.
State expects Willow and Pikka to push oil production up 30% by 2032
Natural Resources Commissioner John Boyle told lawmakers he expects a more than 30% production increase by the start of the 2033 fiscal year.
Education funding dominates first day of 2024 Alaska legislative session
Debates over education funding dominated as lawmakers gathered in Juneau Tuesday for the start of this year’s legislative session.
State investigation reveals social service gaps that left an elder to die alone in the cold
A new report from the state ombudsman says Adult Protective Services failed to prioritize and follow up on the case of an elder in danger.
New legislation aims to address $1.5B University of Alaska maintenance backlog
University leaders say the bill, which would provide $35 million this year, would help shore up and modernize aging facilities.
From natural gas to psychedelic medicine, a look at some of the bills filed ahead of Alaska’s legislative session
Ahead of their return to the Capitol, lawmakers are using pre-session bill filings to lay out priorities for the months to come.
State launches new online application for food assistance as work to address backlog continues
Officials hope a new online application will shorten the time it takes to receive food assistance as the state works through its backlog.
Alaska’s Capitol among U.S. statehouses targeted by wave of ‘hoax’ bomb threats
The Alaska State Capitol received bomb threats Wednesday believed to be related to similar threats reported across the country, officials say.
State labor department forecasts modest job growth in 2024 fueled by infrastructure and energy spending
A new report predicts the state will add 5,400 jobs in 2024, a 1.7% increase, with bright spots in construction, mining and oil and gas.
A suit over federal emissions rules caps an active year for Alaska in federal court
Attorney General Treg Taylor has cast the growing volume of litigation as a response to threats from the federal government and outside groups.
Ferry officials ‘hopeful’ – but not certain – they’ll have enough crew for seven-ship summer schedule
There’s enough money in the state ferry system’s budget to run seven ships this summer, but it’s unclear whether they’ll have enough crew.
State ferry officials say they’ll seek bids on Tustumena replacement in early January
The state ferry system director said he has met with four shipyards that are “very interested” in bidding on the construction project.
Former Sen. Lyda Green remembered as a mentor and advocate who brought lawmakers together
Green, who spent 14 years in the Alaska Senate and led a bipartisan caucus in 2007 and 2008, died Tuesday in Soldotna. She was 85.
From gas to power lines to a green bank: A look at some of Gov. Dunleavy’s energy proposals
Gov. Mike Dunleavy outlined a variety of ideas to address Alaska’s energy needs in his budget proposal. Here’s a closer look at a few.