More than 27,000 Alaskans receive Medicaid due to an expansion that Gov. Bill Walker supported.
Andrew Kitchenman
State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO
State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.
Walker criticizes Trump’s handling of refugee issue
Walker said his experience in local government taught him to focus on the process used to reach decisions.
Sweeping criminal justice overhaul under fire — and revision
The law allowed some low-risk offenders to avoid jail time. Critics of the law have linked it to a rise in some crimes in parts of the state.
Bill seeks to prevent lawmakers from easily voting to financially benefit themselves
Grenn said Alaska is the only state in the country that makes it so easy for lawmakers with conflicts of interest to vote.
State leaders seek business input on effort to develop economy
Business and community leaders have told state officials they’d like to see new sources of money to finance economic development.
Bill would allow judges to order gun owners to forfeit weapons if found to be threat
The bill sponsor said the bill’s timing is unrelated to the Fort Lauderdale mass shooting.
Bill aims to allow private employers to give veterans a hiring preference
Anchorage Democrat state Rep. Chris Tuck has introduced House Bill 2, which would allow private employers to openly use a veteran hire preference if they choose to. “Employers know that when military people are discharged, they come with some great skills and abilities through their training,” Tuck said.
Bill seeks to prevent people who aren’t convicted from having assets seized
The bill is part of a national trend targeting what’s known as “civil asset forfeiture.”
Southeast lawmakers wary of education budget cuts
As the Legislature looks to close a nearly $3 billion gap between state spending and revenue, Southeast lawmakers say school funding shouldn’t be cut further.
Non-union state workers’ pay would freeze for 2 years under governor’s bill
Walker’s pay freeze bills would affect employees of the executive and legislative branches, as well as the University of Alaska who are not covered by union contracts.