“This is hard stuff. If it was easy, Alaska would have done it long ago,” Health Commissioner Valerie Davidson told lawmakers.
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.
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.
Longtime Anchorage Rep. Max Gruenberg dead
Anchorage Democrats will submit three potential replacements to Walker, who will choose one. House Democrats will then accept or reject the choice.
How and when do Alaskans get to weigh in on presidential candidates?
Alaska Republicans will pick their preferred presidential candidate March 1. Democrats will hold caucuses across the state on March 26.
Representative seeks new business tax
Rep. Les Gara wants to make sure state budget cuts don’t fall too heavily on working-class and low-income people. Instead, he wants a new business tax.
Legislative Council seeks advice on downtown Anchorage office
The Legislative Council is seeking advice from a finance expert on what to do about the controversial lease on the Anchorage Legislative Information Office.
Another Democrat joins Republican-led Senate majority
Senate Minority Leader Berta Gardner, an Anchorage Democrat, said her caucus members were disappointed.
Chief justice: Court system cuts ‘will have direct, negative effect’
“My friends, do not be afraid: Fear is the mind-killer,” Chief Justice Craig Stowers told the legislature.
House suspends almost all nonbudget business
The House passed a resolution that limits committees to working on bills that raise or spend state revenue. House Democrats raised concerns that the rule change would reduce transparency.