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 and follow him on X at @eriwinsto. Read more about Eric here.
Bill to provide free access to Cook Inlet seismic surveys moves forward
House Resources Committee chair Rep. Tom McKay, R-Anchorage, said he believes the proposal could spur more drilling.
Cook Inlet gas crunch likely to push up prices as lawmakers search for solutions
The state’s largest gas utility is warning that shortfalls could come as soon as next year – and imports are years off.
Gov. Dunleavy casts doubt on future of Senate-passed public-sector pension bill
In a news conference on Wednesday, Dunleavy said he was skeptical that a pension plan would make a significant difference in recruiting young people.
New Alaska Supreme Court chief justice highlights improvements in first annual address
Chief Justice Peter Maassen listed initiatives from the past year that he said improved the court system’s accessibility and efficiency, like remote hearings.
Alaska school administrators urge action on ‘crisis’ in teacher hiring and turnover
"We are struggling in the worst crisis Alaska has ever seen in terms of turnover. We can't recruit teachers," said Lisa Parady, who leads the Alaska Council of School Administrators.
A closer look at the Harvard charter school study making waves in Juneau
A new study ranks Alaska's charter schools No. 1 in the nation. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has cited the study in calls to expand charter schools.
Gov. Dunleavy’s State of the State addresses resource development, education
Gov. Mike Dunleavy implored Alaskans and lawmakers to capitalize on the state’s natural resources in his annual State of the State address Tuesday.
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.