Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner concluded that the House can’t step in for the Legislative Council in appealing the lawsuit.
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.
Possible Anchorage special session location would crimp fundraising
After having failed to address some of these issues in the last special session, many lawmakers aren’t eager to spend another 30 days in the capital city, but wherever lawmakers convene will impact local campaigns.
Update: Attorney General Craig Richards resigns abruptly
Richards is an architect of Walker’s plan to spend Permanent Fund earnings to fund state government.
Benefits bill for law enforcement, firefighters’ survivors falls short
“For me to have to ask for something that I feel he’s already earned – it’s kind of humiliating in a way,” said Brandy Johnson, widow of slain State Trooper Sgt. Patrick “Scott” Johnson.
Reactions are mixed to another special session call
It’s not certain the Permanent Fund bill will come up for a vote.
Walker calls for another special session after House fails to act on Permanent Fund earnings bill
Walker said Permanent Fund dividends are at risk in 2020 if the state doesn’t make changes this year.
House committee stops Permanent Fund restructuring bill
The bill is the cornerstone of Gov. Bill Walker’s plan to bring stability to state government finances.
Dividend checks would drop, but not by as much, under revised bill
Dividend checks would drop by about $500, instead of the $1,000 cut included in the Senate’s version of the bill.
Walker sympathizes with opponents of dividend cut, but says it’s the only option
During public testimony Tuesday, House Finance Committee members heard an earful from residents who don’t want cuts.
Public testimony leans against Permanent Fund bill
Of more than 120 Alaskans who testified Tuesday, about 60 percent opposed the bill, which would could dividend checks this year in half.