The intent of Senate Bill 224 is to keep any money in the accounts from being swept into a state piggy bank, the Constitutional Budget Reserve.
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.
How rising oil prices could affect this year’s PFD
With the recent rise in oil prices, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is once again pushing for a higher Permanent Fund dividend for Alaskans.
Alaska lawmaker retaliates after Washington proposes tax on fuel exports
The Washington legislation would increase fuel exported to Alaska, Idaho and Oregon by 6 cents per gallon. It wouldn’t affect Washington residents.
Legislative Council approves plan to spend up to $5.5M to convert Juneau building into apartments for lawmakers
Opponents said the council didn’t have enough information to make the decision.
Mask and COVID-19 test requirements are dropped for Alaska State Capitol
The rules will continue to require those who test positive for the virus to isolate.
Alaska Senate considers different proposals to change PFD formula
The Senate Finance Committee considered two bills on Monday that would set PFDs at a lower level than the roughly $2,500 Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed.
Gov. Dunleavy defends state paying for settlement arising from his actions
Federal District Court Judge John Sedwick ruled in October that Dunleavy and his former chief of staff violated the First Amendment rights of two state doctors by requiring them to sign what they deemed a loyalty pledge. The Legislature must now decide whether to fund settlement payments of $495,000 in the state budget.
As oil prices and inflation rise, Dunleavy pushes for higher PFDs and bonds
Dunleavy wants the state to issue $325 million in bonds to pay for construction on ports, airports, fire halls and other projects.
Judge rules against students who sued the State of Alaska over scholarship fund
The students now must decide whether to appeal the judge’s decision.
Judge rules that 2 redrawn districts violate the Alaska Constitution
The judge also found that the Alaska Redistricting Board violated the state Open Meetings Act by apparently holding discussions in private that should have been in public.