Members of the Republican-led Senate majority differ with Gov. Bill Walker on whether the state must permanently address all of its budget problems this year — and whether the state needs new taxes.
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.
Senate cuts $63 million more from budget than House
The Senate voted for $100 million in executive branch cuts that aren’t allocated.
Senate OKs bill to factor credit scores into home and car insurance premiums
In every other state, those with good credit pay lower premiums, while those with lower credit scores pay more.
Legislative houses near votes on different budget versions
The Senate Finance Committee’s current budget includes $215 million in cuts. But Committee Co-Chairman Fairbanks Republican Sen. Pete Kelly said he’s aiming for a total of $500 million in reductions.
Walker orders effort to streamline public authorities
Walker signed an administrative order requiring the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Energy Authority and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to find opportunities to become more efficient or consolidate.
Victims’ rights advocates push for changes to criminal justice bill
The bill has a lot of bipartisan support. It draws on recommendations from the 13-member Alaska Criminal Justice Commission.
State budget bill with $280 million in cuts due for House vote
The Senate may vote on its version of the budget on Saturday. Then the two houses will work to resolve the differences.
Gov. Walker picks Spohnholz to fill Gruenberg’s House seat
Spohnholz is the development director for Salvation Army Alaska, and is the vice chairwoman of the Alaska Children’s Trust, which aims to eliminate childhood abuse and neglect throughout the state.
Overdose antidote bill is one of few minority-sponsored bills that passes
Anchorage Democratic Sen. Johnny Ellis sponsored the bill. This made it unusual, since few bills sponsored by members of the minority party ever come up for votes.
Senate considers requiring prescription database checks to combat opioid abuse
The sponsors want to make sure patients aren’t going from doctor to doctor seeking pills.