Independent Gov. Bill Walker also criticized the House majority. “They did not get the job done for Alaska,” he said in a press release.
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.
With one day left in special session, little public progress on budget
Senate President Pete Kelly said leaders should focus on the budget.
Alaska House votes to restore full PFD funding
The vote may make it less likely the Legislature will reach an overall budget deal before the end of the special session on Friday.
Former lawmakers work to block PFD cut
Clem Tillion was a Republican senator when the Permanent Fund was created. The 91-year-old has a message to lawmakers who want to reduce the PFD: Don’t think any changes you make are going to last.
Tax would require low- to middle-income residents to pay higher share
Rep. Les Gara said he’d rather have oil and gas companies pay more in taxes.
Major progress eludes Alaska Legislature this week
The two chambers are still far apart on a bill that would make changes to oil and gas taxes.
State issues laundry list of potential services to be shut down without budget
The shutdown could immediately cost the state more than $150 million. The biggest reason is that the state would be required to pay laid off unionized workers for leave time they’ve built up.
Permanent Fund Corp. shuffles investments while waiting on Legislature’s tab
The corporation is investing more conservatively so it has cash on hand in case the Legislature uses fund earnings to close the gap.
Gov. Walker tells opponents of his compromise package, produce your own
Senate President Pete Kelly said majority senators see the package as a positive step. A state government shutdown will begin on July 1 if lawmakers don’t reach a compromise.
Walker backs tax based on income level as part of compromise
Walker also called on lawmakers to pass the Senate versions of a Permanent Fund bill and an overhaul to the state’s oil tax credit system.