The Alaska Senate passed a resolution Wednesday calling on the federal government to take steps to increase the harvest of sea otters in Southeast Alaska. Senate Joint Resolution 13 is sponsored by Sitka Republican senator Bert Stedman.
State Government
Divided House majority coalition stuck on state budget
Since the majority couldn’t agree on the dividend, it can’t agree on the overall size of the budget. The added dividend money would cost $892 million.
State ferries won’t stop sailing April 16, after all
The Alaska Marine Highway System has enough money to sail through the end of June. A bill signed by the governor fills an 11-week funding gap.
Bill would lift restrictions on Alaska’s naturopaths
Naturopathic doctors argue they should be able to prescribe some medications and perform minor surgical procedures. There’s been pushback from professional medical associations over the proposal.
State regulators publish draft documents to address Fairbanks’ bad air
State Air Quality Division Director Denise Koch said it’s early in the process. She wants her agency to be transparent, and for borough residents to participate and own the final plan.
House votes to restore PFDs to full $2,700
The move adds $892 million to the proposed state budget. It’s not clear how the House would fund those dividends — there’s no revenue to offset the increase.
Senate passes spending limit bill after Democrats walk out in protest
The bill says the state should limit the portion of state spending on state agencies that the Legislature directly controls each year to $4.1 billion starting next year.
State budget largely unchanged after 3 days of amendments
Minority caucus Republicans offered amendments that would cut $28 million, but none passed.
House floor debate on state operating budget continues for third day
The House has been voting down the minority caucus Republicans’ budget amendments. Minority leader Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, says it’s still worthwhile to have the conversation.
State election officials seek help registering, informing voters in their Native language
Alaska election officials are looking for help in some of the state’s smallest communities to provide assistance to register and inform voters about the ballot and elections in their Native language. But sometimes help is unavailable, leaving few options.