Alaska’s largest union for state workers says government employees are dealing with the public in ways that run counter to recommendations from federal and state officials.
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.
Alaska Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux charged with voter misconduct
LeDoux was in a House floor session in Juneau while prosecutors announced the charges at a press conference in Anchorage.
Former Alaska Senate President Pete Kelly registers as a lobbyist
Pete Kelly represents the Fairbanks Economic Development Corp. He’ll also be doing work for clients of the Mulder Co., run by lobbyist Eldon Mulder.
Alaska event organizers weigh public health in deciding whether to cancel
Organizers relied on advice from the state Department of Health and Social Services to postone the state’s high school basketball tournaments.
Alaska Legislature quickly passes state funding for coronavirus response
The Alaska Legislature also voted to authorize the state to receive $9 million in federal money to respond to the coronavirus, and reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Group says Alaska isn’t meeting commitment to fund rural schools
The Coalition for Education Equity of Alaska asked the governor to reverse a veto last July, and now is asking legislators to add the funds back into the budget.
Lawmakers crafting plan to end session soon if coronavirus comes to Juneau
The Legislative Council has formed an emergency response preparedness subcommittee that would develop a plan for an early adjournment of Alaska’s legislative session.
Alaska imposes hiring freeze, out-of-state travel ban for state workers
Ben Stevens, the chief of staff to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, said in a memo to state workers on Monday that these are cost-saving measures in reaction to lower oil prices. He did not cite coronavirus.
Dunleavy’s town hall meetings suspended so he can monitor coronavirus
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has suspended three public town hall meetings he was planning to hold this week.
Alaska state Rep. Eastman loses committee seats, may lose caucus position
Anchorage Rep. Lance Pruitt, the Republican minority leader, says he made the decision to remove Rep. David Eastman after talking with caucus members.