Lawmakers plan to spend as little as one day in Juneau, as they meet Thursday for their third special session this year.
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.
Capital budget compromise unlikely to restore PFDs, address oil and gas tax credits
“Clearly those are going to be the most difficult issues that have to be solved going forward,” said Republican Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, a leader in the Senate. “I don’t think they’re going to happen in this bill.”
State, municipalities face higher borrowing costs from falling credit ratings
A state official estimates the rating downgrades since last year could cost the state an extra $5 million to $6 million over 20 years on a $100 million transportation bond issuance.
Prosecutors haven’t decided whether to charge Sen. Wilson in slapping
A state law makes legislators immune to arrests for misdemeanors while the Legislature is in session. The Legislature has been out of session since July 16 for the first time since the incident.
Motor fuel tax stalls in a year of few bills
Lawmakers have passed fewer bills in 2017 than any year in the state’s history, but it seemed that Senate Bill 25 stood one of the best chances of passing.
Walker says future special sessions depend on progress
Walker said he’s optimistic that Saturday’s agreement on oil and gas taxes means lawmakers can reach agreement on other issues.
Special session ends with compromise on oil and gas tax credits
The Senate voted to return for a third special session, but the House didn’t take a similar vote on Saturday. Lawmakers have yet to pass a capital budget.
With hedging statements, Alaska lawmakers say they’re close on oil and gas compromise
Anchorage Republican Sen. Cathy Giessel said, “I believe we have come to an agreement. We’re still working out details, but I feel very optimistic.”
Special session nears end without public progress on oil taxes
Senators want to allow companies to use losses to reduce the taxes they’ll have to pay in the future.
Far apart politically and geographically, lawmakers talk oil and gas taxes
Most senators met in Juneau for a floor session for the first time since the Legislature passed the budget on June 22. But most House majority members were out of town.