Gov. Mike Dunleavy has said Alaskans should receive permanent fund dividends of roughly $3,000 this year. But it won’t be easy for state lawmakers to agree on the dividend’s size.
Economy
Noticing an extra charge on your Amazon receipt? Here’s why.
As of this month, the majority of Amazon purchases made by Juneau customers will now collect local sales tax. A plan is in the works to standardize sales tax collection across the state.
Updated budget requests would fund earthquake relief, cut school funds
One request includes cutting $20 million for public schools that lawmakers agreed to as part of the budget deal last spring.
Anchorage port project cost estimate doubles to nearly $2B
Alaska’s biggest port is in dire need of improvements. Structural failure threatens the flow of essential supplies like food, fuel, and construction material into the state. According to the latest estimate, needed repairs will be twice as expensive as originally forecasted, leaving Anchorage officials dismayed.
Critics say shutdown will doom Arctic projects in court
In Alaska, the Trump administration continued work on some oil development projects, despite the partial government shutdown. Now some say that could invalidate the results.
With CLIAA lawsuit at an end, city considers proposals for marine passenger fee revenue
The ruling allows the city to move forward on its annual budget process and figure out how it will use roughly $5 million in passenger fees next fiscal year. One of the proposals has already raised flags for the cruise industry.
Cannabis advocates wary of Dunleavy’s Marijuana Control Board appointments
Marijuana Control Board Vice Chairman Brandon Emmett says he was surprised when he found out that longtime anti-marijuana champion Vivian Stiver was appointed to fill his seat.
Judge reaffirms passenger fee ruling as possibility of appeal lingers
Following Judge H. Russel Holland’s December ruling that passenger fees can only be used for services to cruise ships, the industry had asked the judge to go further. The final judgement opens an avenue for either party to appeal.
Flume Trail to close this summer for repairs
Alaska Electric Light & Power spokesperson Debbie Driscoll says the wooden walkway above downtown Juneau is safe to use for now, but the company has concerns about its long-term integrity.
Shutdown not stopping review of Alaska’s Roadless Rule
The bulk of federal employees will miss two paychecks by Friday, Jan. 25, as the government shutdown continues. But the U.S. Forest Service is dedicating paid staff to a controversial initiative in Alaska.