Quinlan Steiner, the Alaska public defender, said judges have a history of making decisions that had little to do with whether or not people were likely to show up for their court hearings.
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.
Corrections seeks alternatives to halfway houses
One approach could be based on Haven House, which serves women in Juneau, and My House, which serves homeless teens in Wasilla.
Fansler sentenced to year of probation, alcohol treatment and community service
Former Alaska state Rep. Zach Fansler pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree harassment in connection with a January incident in which he struck a woman in his hotel room.
Walker asks Trump administration to protect people with pre-existing conditions
Walker has been working with a bipartisan governors’ group over the past year on health care issues.
State backlog means long wait for health coverage for some Alaskans
Jill Yordy has been waiting since January to learn whether her 5-year-old daughter Raven has qualified for Denali KidCare.
Rating agency improves Alaska’s credit outlook
It took the action Friday in part as a response to a new state law that outlines a plan to draw money from permanent fund earnings to pay for state government.
Bill would increase health care price transparency for Alaskans
The measure, modeled on similar rules enacted in Anchorage last year, could make it easier for Alaskans to know how much they’re going to pay out of pocket for healthcare.
State-run raffle could be new way to fund schools
Each Alaskan adult would be able to donate $100 increments to the raffle, when they apply for their PFD. Each $100 would count as one entry. And once per year, four winners would be drawn.
State has started delaying Medicaid payments to some hospitals
The state budget includes $20 million less for Medicaid than state officials say they’ll need. That’s to cover services provided through June 30.
Legislature passes state budget before adjourning
There would be $5.4 billion spent on the part of the operating budget the Legislature focuses on. It’s $433 million higher than the current budget.