State Department of Administration Commissioner Sheldon Fisher said the study offers potential ways to lower Alaska’s health care expenses, which are among the highest in the country.
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 Democrats seek chance for independents to run in party primaries
The proposed change would allow the party to support a candidate without having the word “Democratic” appear on the ballot by the candidate’s name.
PFD supporters plan to make case to voters
Sen. Wielechowski said he’s disappointed PFDs will no longer follow the formula that was used through 2015.
Alaska Supreme Court upholds PFD cuts
Justice Daniel Winfree wrote that the state law that started PFDs is subject to the Alaska Constitution’s ban on dedicating funds for specific purposes.
Newscast – Thursday, August 24, 2017
KTOO’s midday newscast for 24, August, 2017:
Juneau’s state representatives said the Legislature accompished some good this year, but the lack of a long-term plan to balance the state’s budget was a major disappointment;
A Utah man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to first-degree murder in the July death of his wife in an Alaska cruise ship;
One of two residents of a downtown Juneau house raided this month pleaded not guilty to a drug conspiracy charge; and
It’s rained enough in Ketchikan the past couple of days that fish are swimming across the road.
Juneau representatives disappointed with lack of progress on budget plan
Southeast Alaska lawmakers spent time during the legislative session working to protect regional interests, including the ferry system.
Walker, Mallott file to run for re-election
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker said being unaffiliated has helped him and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott work on issues without concern about party politics.
Potential initiatives would enshrine Medicaid expansion, ACA provisions in state law
One initiative would require insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions. It also would allow parents to cover their children until they turn 26.
Newscast – Thursday, August 17, 2017
Police are looking for a 28-year-old Juneau woman, Alexis Ashley Ehlers, who vanished on Aug. 13;
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski is criticizing President Trump for his comments following the neo-Nazi march on Charlottesville;
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says hundreds of Pacific walruses have begun coming ashore along Alaska’s northwest coast; and
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions asking the Department of Justice to maintain a hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement.
Why Amazon collects local sales taxes in other states — but not Alaska
If you live anywhere in the country with a sales tax, the online retailer Amazon collects it – except in Alaska. Some in Alaska want to see changes that would affect Amazon and other online sellers.