Sullivan Wins Amendment to Let States Prosecute Mann Act
Sen. Dan Sullivan added an amendment to the human trafficking bill the U.S. Senate passed today. It addresses a problem he faced as Alaska’s attorney general, when the feds declined to prosecute Bill Allen on sexual abuse charges.
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Rep. Young Advocating For Transfer Of Air Force Land To Galena
The Yukon River community of Galena could be relocated out of flood danger if a land transfer being pushed by Alaska Congressman Don Young goes through. The village, which is still recovering from a major flood 2 years ago, will likely approach moving with multiple steps over time.
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As Budget Negotiations Continue, Lawmakers Defend Position On Education Cuts
Outside of a 20-minute Senate floor session, the only scheduled activity that took place on Tuesday was a Senate Finance committee press conference.
Lawmakers Still Searching For Elusive Budgetary Compromise
It is Day 92 of the legislative session, and lawmakers still have not reached a compromise on the state’s budget. APRN’s Alexandra Gutierrez joins us from a very quiet Capitol.
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Snaring Death Of Denali Wolf Prompts Push For Protection
There’s renewed push for greater protection of declining Denali National Park wolves. The effort follows news that a Park wolf was discovered dead last month from a snare injury.
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As Spending Talks Continue, House Takes Crack At Capital Budget
After a day of stalled and canceled meetings, the Alaska Legislature made small advances on a capital budget.
Bill Establishing Marijuana Control Board Poised To Become Law
In spite of the session extension in Juneau, the status of new legislation dealing with commercial marijuana for the year ahead is clear.
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Federal Government Proposes Taking Humpback Whales Off Endangered Species List
The federal government is proposing to remove most humpback whales from the endangered species list. Forty-five years after the whales were first listed, federal scientists say that most humpback populations - including those common in Alaska - are stable and growing.
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Erin’s Law Stuck In Senate Education Committee
The House passed a version of Erin’s Law on Saturday. Now, three versions of the child sexual abuse prevention bill are stuck in the Senate Education Committee as the legislature winds down for the year. Majority leadership has indicated there’s no rush to pass the bill.
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With No Deal On Budget, Legislative Session Goes Long
The hold up is a vote to draw from the constitutional budget reserve to fill a multi-billion-dollar deficit. Without support from the Democratic minority, the Legislature is short at least three votes to tap the rainy day fund.
After Tense Lead-Up, Legislature Confirms Walker’s Cabinet
Most of the high-level appointments made it through with unanimous support. But Attorney General Craig Richards saw significant -- though not fatal -- pushback from the Legislature.
Key Issues Linger As Legislative Session’s End Closes In
The Alaska State Legislature is scheduled to gavel out on Sunday, before the stroke of midnight. But many of the issues lawmakers have delved into – the budget, Medicaid, marijuana – are still unsettled. APRN’s Alexandra Gutierrez joins us to talk about what the end game for the legislative session looks like.
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Arctic Priorities Questioned on Eve of U.S. Chairmanship
The United States assumes chairmanship of the Arctic Council next week, kicking off a two-year window to assert American priorities in the region. The U.S. and other member nations have committed to making the Arctic a “zone of peace.” But now, some Arctic watchers wonder if the U.S. needs to add an item to its Arctic priority list: get tough with Russia.
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Refined Fuel Tax Measure Heads To Governor’s Desk
Though discussion of new revenues hasn’t gone far in the Legislature this session, the Senate on Friday passed a measure taxing refined fuels.
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State’s New Child Adoption Rules Signal Thaw With Native Groups
With the president of the Alaska Federation of Natives by his side, Walker announced at a press conference that the state would make it easier for Alaska Native children to remain with extended family or with tribal members in adoption cases.
As Deadline Looms, Gov. Walker Says Legislature Could Gavel Out On Time
With the legislature scheduled to gavel out by midnight on Sunday, Governor Bill Walker has seen very few pieces of legislation make it to his desk. APRN's Alexandra Gutierrez sat down with Walker yesterday afternoon to get his take on how the session is progressing. Walker said he thinks it's still possible for lawmakers to get their work done on time.
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Walker Commands Lawmakers To Act On Appointments
The executive proclamation comes days after legislative leadership cancelled their confirmation session -- and days after the governor sent a six-page letter reiterating that he would veto a contentious gasline bill and urging lawmakers not to override him.
State House Moves To Freeze Public Employee Salaries
The Alaska House has narrowly passed a bill that would claw back raises for many state workers.
Federal Agency Reviewing Yellow Cedar For Protection
Based on a petition submitted about a year ago by a coalition of conservation groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last week that protection for the Alaska yellow cedar tree might be warranted under the federal Endangered Species Act.
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Murkowski Campaign Shows Financial Might
Sen. Lisa Murkowski is up for re-election next year, and her fundraising is going strong. Her campaign today reported she raised $700,000 in the first three months of the year, and has $1.5 million on hand.
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