The Senate could reconsider the bill as soon as Friday. The bill would require an additional $1.3 billion in combined cuts to state spending and savings.
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 would provide $1,600 dividends, with aim of growing permanent fund
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Monday he would veto the Senate bill. He supports following the traditional PFD formula set in 1982.
Dunleavy calls for state budget, while senators discuss separate PFD bill
Gov. Mike Dunleavy sent a message to state workers Wednesday afternoon, saying layoff notices would go out if the Legislature hasn’t passed a budget by June 14.
Alaska Legislature prepares to sue governor over school funding
Lawmakers say they hope a lawsuit won’t be needed. But lawyers for the Legislature and the Dunleavy administration differ on whether a law passed last year can provide funding for next school year.
Senate sends criminal justice bill to Dunleavy’s desk
The bill repeals much of the controversial three-year-old law known as Senate Bill 91. While that law reduced criminal sentencing, the new measure increases sentencing.
Dunleavy spokesperson: Next special session could be outside Juneau, with Mat-Su as an option
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office is considering sites in the Mat-Su Borough and elsewhere on the road system for a possible second special session, according to spokesperson Matt Shuckerow.
As budget debate draws out, a deadline for state layoff notices approaches
It’s not clear that lawmakers will be able to resolve differences over PFDs by the June 3 deadline to provide layoff notices — or in time to avoid a state government shutdown on July 1.
House bill seeks full PFD this year, with lower amounts in the future
The House bill could provide the basis for breaking the current impasse over the budget and permanent fund dividends. But it’s unclear how much support there is for the bill in the Legislature.
Legal views conflict on Alaska school funding law
Lawyers for the Alaska Legislature and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration offer contrasting views on whether a law enacted last year will fund schools next year — or whether a new bill is needed.
Alaska lawmakers say compromise crime bill repeals Senate Bill 91
The compromise bill, which repeals a controversial criminal justice reform law passed in 2016, would lead to longer criminal sentences. The Alaska Legislature plans to take it up next week.