Nonpartisan budget analysts say that without the federal relief, Dunleavy’s proposed budget would have a $350 million deficit.
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.
Legislative committee hires law firm to investigate the firing of Rodell as permanent fund head
Committee chair Sen. von Imhof said the goal is to make sure the fund is protected from political intervention or manipulation.
Alaska Legislature rejects plan to increase lawmaker salaries because of cuts to daily allowances
All members present in both chambers voted against the plan, which would have capped the amount legislators receive for living expenses at $100 per day in the regular session, in contrast with $307 this year.
Gov. Dunleavy delivers election year State of the State address
It was the first in-person address Dunleavy gave to a joint session since before the pandemic led to changes in safety rules in the Capitol. And at nearly an hour, it was his longest State of the State.
Alaska legislative leaders see on-time budget as a priority this year
Some of the leaders want to see the Legislature pass a long-term plan for the state’s finances and permanent fund dividends. But they acknowledge there are significant obstacles in both the short and long term.
Alaska Supreme Court upholds new open primary and ranked choice voting system
A lawyer who argued in favor of the law said the decision provided clarity for voters and candidates. Lawyer Ken Jacobus, who argued against the law, said he doesn’t think there’s any way to appeal it further.
Alaska lawmakers would see higher salaries, lower expense payments under new compensation plan
The combined changes mean legislators would take home less money.
On the session’s first day, Alaska lawmakers talk about working together
Last year’s session was marked by differences over COVID safety rules and disagreements that nearly led to a partial state government shutdown.
Alaska Legislature to support students’ lawsuit to maintain scholarship fund
The Legislative Council voted 12-1 to approve filing a legal brief backing the lawsuit.
Alaska lawmakers grill Permanent Fund Corp. chair Richards over firing of executive director Rodell
The corporation’s board of trustees chair maintained that Rodell was an at-will state employee but declined to give details about why she was fired.