Alaska Oil and Gas Association President Kara Moriarty told the House Resources Committee that companies can’t afford higher costs when oil prices are low.
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.
House subcommittees cut state operating budget deeper
Health and Social Services was the department that received the deepest cuts. They include eliminating $5.18 million in cash assistance to seniors, and $3 million in behavioral health grants.
Subcommittee looks for $35 million cut to University of Alaska
Combined with Gov. Bill Walker’s proposed $15 million cut, the university would lose one in seven dollars in state funding.
As first legislative budget cuts emerge, some question rural impact
Reductions include $9.8 million in cuts to education programs, as well as cutting all $2.7 million in state funding for public broadcasting.
State trims $7 million from gas pipeline budget
Deputy Natural Resources Commissioner Marty Rutherford told the House Finance Committee the change reflects slow negotiations with the state’s three pipeline partners, as well as the low price of gas.
Legislators hear more about Permanent Fund proposals
There are three proposals to help close the state’s budget shortfall using the Permanent Fund. Legislators are weighing which — if any — to support.
House wants details on impacts of oil, gas tax changes
House members are questioning the depth of analysis of Walker’s proposed oil and gas tax proposals.
Health care officials pitch transformative mental health, addiction treatment reforms
“This is hard stuff. If it was easy, Alaska would have done it long ago,” Health Commissioner Valerie Davidson told lawmakers.
State, partners mum on possible changes to massive gasline project
Changes are coming to state plans for a liquefied natural gas pipeline, but the governor and the state’s three pipeline partners aren’t ready to say what those changes will be.
Myers announces retirement, third Walker cabinet change in three weeks
The governor said Myers told him he wanted to retire in October, but Walker gave him time to reconsider.