Governor signs $1,600 PFD, says third special session would focus on full dividend
For the second time, Dunleavy vetoed funding to reimburse municipalities for school construction debt and to pay for Medicaid.
Gov. Dunleavy postpones budget signing, signals support for two more vetoed programs
Gov. Dunleavy has reversed himself and declared support for subsidized broadband internet for rural libraries and a free service allowing online tutors for students. The governor had previously vetoed the $809,200 in funding.
Group seeking Dunleavy recall isn’t stopping at minimum as it continues to gather signatures
A Recall Dunleavy organizer says the campaign isn’t slowing down after the veto reversals.
Tali Birch Kindred, daughter of deceased state Sen. Birch, takes step toward trying to fill his seat
The daughter of recently-deceased state senator Chris Birch, Tali Birch Kindred, is seeking to replace him, according to documents she filed with state regulators Friday.
Homeless shelters and services to see reduced funding
With a state capital budget passed, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation said it will dole out checks to charities that have been trying to keep Alaskans off the streets. But those checks will only go so far.
Dunleavy points to university budget cut agreement as a model
Nonprofit leaders have said they’re open to working with the governor. But it’s unclear how the approach will work in practice.
Murkowski now supports a ‘complete exemption’ for Tongass from Roadless Rule
A decision by the Trump administration over exempting the Tongass National Forest from the Roadless Rule is expected soon. That’s according to Sen. Lisa Murkowski who in an interview with CoastAlaska has hardened her stance on the hot-button issue.
Governor axes state funding for Cold Climate Housing Research Center
It's unclear how the center can continue to operate without state funds, but its staff of 18 continue to look for ways to do their work.
State funding for early education restored, but services this year could still be affected
“Plans have been put in place that it’s hard to walk back from, because this was such a disruption,” said Tlingit and Haida Head Start director Amber Frommherz.
Dunleavy cites public response in veto reversals
Gov. Mike Dunleavy hasn’t wavered from many of his positions since taking office. But that changed this week.
Dunleavy halves vetoes to University of Alaska, spreads cuts over three years
The University of Alaska will see a $25 million cut in funding for this budget year, which began on July 1st. The next two years would see cuts of $25 million and $20 million for a total of $70 million.
Dunleavy agrees to fully restore $9M in funding to Head Start, early learning programs
The restoration totals about $9 million and includes $6.8 million to Head Start and $1.2 million to early childhood grants. It's one of several veto reversals the governor has made this week.
Veto blocks cruise funding for Marine Exchange
Alaska’s primary provider of real-time marine vessel tracking has lost 11 percent of its funding. That’s following a line item veto by Gov. Mike Dunleavy in the 2020 capital budget.
Alaska Natives pushing against budget cuts say the state can learn from their cultures
One village leader said the cultures and traditions of Alaska Natives have prepared them to respond to the cuts.
Enviros say new rules weaken Endangered Species Act. Interior says they enhance it.
The Interior Department announced Monday that it has finalized new rules for carrying out the Endangered Species Act. Sec. David Bernhardt describes the changes as improvements. Environmental groups say the new regulations weaken the Endangered Species Act.
Dunleavy reverses potential cuts to senior benefits
Dunleavy told a room of people he was moved to change course on the Senior Benefits Program after hearing input from beneficiaries and their families.
Capital budget vetoes to hit homelessness, addiction treatment
In Anchorage, there are worries that vetoes to addiction treatment facilities and a homeless assistance program could exacerbate a problem that's already worsening.
Human Rights Commission quietly fires director
The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights has confirmed firing its executive director in July, after she had been on the job for less than a month, but the commission continues to say little about it.
Native corporation CIRI joins voices for Dunleavy recall
The board of directors of Cook Inlet Region Incorporated, or CIRI, announced Thursday that they would support the effort to recall Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Dunleavy decision on PFD could affect timing of dividend payment
If Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoes the $1,600 PFD the Legislature passed, Alaskans could receive dividends later than normal this year.