Anchorage Democrat state Rep. Chris Tuck has introduced House Bill 2, which would allow private employers to openly use a veteran hire preference if they choose to. “Employers know that when military people are discharged, they come with some great skills and abilities through their training,” Tuck said.
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.
Bill seeks to prevent people who aren’t convicted from having assets seized
The bill is part of a national trend targeting what’s known as “civil asset forfeiture.”
Southeast lawmakers wary of education budget cuts
As the Legislature looks to close a nearly $3 billion gap between state spending and revenue, Southeast lawmakers say school funding shouldn’t be cut further.
Non-union state workers’ pay would freeze for 2 years under governor’s bill
Walker’s pay freeze bills would affect employees of the executive and legislative branches, as well as the University of Alaska who are not covered by union contracts.
Gov. Walker hits on same budget themes with new Legislature
Walker said the state government risks spending all of its savings if it denies there’s a problem and hopes for oil prices to rise.
Senate majority eyes $750M in budget cuts over three years
The Republican-led Senate majority is more focused on cutting spending to close the state’s budget deficit than the new mostly Democratic House majority or independent Gov. Bill Walker.