French, who served on the commission since July, was confirmed by a 35 to 24 vote.
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.
Time pressure makes special session likely
The House and Senate are $230 million apart on a budget, there are no public signs the Senate and House will find common ground on a Permanent Fund plan, and the House continues to call for some form of broad-based tax as the Senate continues to oppose it.
Senate votes down state income tax
Hoffman said he believes the state will eventually require an income tax, but it shouldn’t happen this year.
Alaska’s income tax fight is only latest skirmish in decades-long conflict
Historian Terrence Cole said Alaska’s income tax both helped balance the territorial government’s budget and paved the way for Alaska becoming a state.
Eastman becomes first Alaska state representative to be censured
The House voted 25 to 14 to condemn Eastman for saying some women – including those who live in villages — are glad to become pregnant so they can receive Medicaid-funded travel to have abortions.
New legislation aims to enshrine PFDs in constitution
House Majority Leader Chris Tuck said he hopes passing the constitutional amendment will help break the logjam on other legislation to use some Permanent Fund earnings to fund state government.