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.
Former Fairbanks Borough Mayor to serve on pipeline board
The Legislature Friday narrowly approved former Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins to serve on the board responsible for developing the Alaska gas pipeline. Download Audio
University of Alaska faces $50 million cut due to committee vote
The University of Alaska faces a $50 million budget cut, due to a legislative committee vote on Thursday. Download Audio
Poorest Alaskans hit hardest by new proposed budget solutions
The Legislature is trying to close the four billion dollar budget deficit this week. But a new report says the burden of closing the gap will fall too heavily on the poorest Alaskans. Download Audio
Oil and gas tax credit debate rages ahead of legislative session end
The House spent six hours debating oil and gas tax credits Tuesday night. And they’re not done yet – lawmakers will pick up the bill again Wednesday. Download Audio
Senate Finance Permanent Fund bills could lower dividends, stabilize budget
The outlines of changes to the Permanent Fund became clearer today. Senate Finance Committee introduced a bill that would pay for much of the state government’s budget using the Fund’s earnings. It also would reduce residents’ Permanent Fund dividends, but make them more stable for the future. Download Audio
Power Cost Equalization Fund could pay for community assistance
The Senate Finance Committee is looking to re-route money from a fund to offset the high cost of electricity in rural areas. Some Power Cost Equalization money would replace the Community Revenue Sharing program that the state government started when oil prices were higher. Download Audio
State Senate passes criminal justice overhaul bill
The state Senate voted 16-2 on Saturday to pass a bill overhauling Alaska’s criminal justice system. Download Audio
Senate focuses on Permanent Fund plans to close budget gap
Proposals to spend Permanent Fund earnings on the state budget will be a major focus of the legislative session’s final nine days. Download Audio
Senate passes bill allowing firearms on UA campuses
The Senate passed a bill Thursday to allow people to carry concealed firearms on University of Alaska campuses. Download Audio
Corrections officers union seeks retraction of review, opposes commissioner
The state corrections officers union wants Governor Bill Walker to retract key sections of a report released last year that criticized Department of Corrections policies and some officers’ actions. Download Audio
Budget talks entering final phase
State budget talks are entering their final phase. The House and Senate have appointed members to a budget conference committee. Download Audio
Rep. Olson bill would tax Permanent Fund dividends as budget stopgap
Representative Kurt Olson, a Soldotna Republican developed a plan to tax Permanent Fund dividends back in February. But he didn’t introduce it at the time, because he wanted to see how the debate over plans from Governor Bill Walker and others unfolded. Download Audio
Rep. Young calls on Juneau Republicans to support Sturgeon case
Congressman Don Young called on Juneau Republicans to support legislative funding for John Sturgeon’s legal fight over operating a hovercraft in a national preserve. Young also says that while he’s running for re-election, when the time comes for a successor, Alaskans should choose someone who’s young. Download Audio
Criminal justice bill amended to reduce benefits to sex offenders
Senators have amended a bill that would overhaul Alaska’s criminal justice system, taking steps that makes it more difficult for those convicted of sex crimes from benefiting from the bill’s provisions. Download Audio
Legislators offer $32.5 million for Anchorage LIO
The state government would buy the Legislative Information Office in downtown Anchorage for $32.5 million, under a recommendation made Thursday night by the Legislative Council. Download Audio
Legislative council meets to discuss fate of LIO building
The Legislative Council meets Thursday to decide what to do about the Anchorage Legislative Information Office. A judge recently ruled the state lease for the building is illegal, because the state didn’t open it up to competitive bidding.
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Economist urges lawmakers to address deficit uncertainty
What the Legislature does in response to the state government’s $4 billion deficit could have big effects on Alaska’s economy, according to a leading economist. Download Audio
Four bills aimed at cutting state costs raise local concerns
Senators introduced four new bills Monday that would require local governments and schools to pay more for pensions, end two college scholarship programs, and cut the amount that municipalities receive in state funding. Download Audio
Bill requiring background checks for marijuana sellers in limbo
Marijuana businesses are scheduled to open in June, after the state issues licenses. But there’s a hitch – the state won’t issue licenses until the Legislature passes a bill that allows for national criminal background checks, among other provisions. And that bill is currently in limbo.
Walker to lawmakers: Putting off sustainable budget is ‘wholly unacceptable’
Governor Bill Walker says the Legislature must agree to a complete and sustainable solution to the state’s fiscal problem this year. In a letter to legislators Walker sent yesterday (Wednesday), he says continuing to draw on reserves without a solid plan to stop doing so is unacceptable. Download Audio