Lawmakers who represent areas outside Juneau receive $295 for each day of the special session. Juneau lawmakers receive $221.25 per day.
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.
House and Senate disagree on much, but agree on using computer model
Division analysts emphasized that the projections aren’t precise. But at least they give lawmakers an objective source of information.
No legislative action on special session’s seventh day
There has been no sign of progress in resolving the state’s budget crisis. Special sessions typically cost $20,000 to $30,000 each day.
House passes bill intended to curb opioid overdose deaths
House Bill 159 would cut the number of days’ supply of opioid pills in a single prescription.
State House, Senate call for each other to give ground, Walker hopes for compromise
Talk on the first day of the legislative special session focused on whether the House and Senate can compromise on a plan to balance the state’s budget in the future.
Special session to begin Thursday after lawmakers fail to compromise
Gov. Walker has called an immediate special session on the state’s fiscal future. Legislators didn’t pass a budget, but did pass bills on ride-sharing, criminal justice and REAL ID.
Retired Alaska Supreme Court justice to receive Sandra Day O’Connor Award
The award, whose namesake is a hero and acquaintance of former Chief Justice Dana Fabe, recognizes advancement of civics education.
Transgender pick for anti-discrimination commission alleges discrimination
Drew Phoenix has served on the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights since February. He’s a transgender man and the only appointee of Gov. Bill Walker to be voted down.
Legislature approves Hollis French for AOGCC spot
French, who served on the commission since July, was confirmed by a 35 to 24 vote.
Time pressure makes special session likely
The House and Senate are $230 million apart on a budget, there are no public signs the Senate and House will find common ground on a Permanent Fund plan, and the House continues to call for some form of broad-based tax as the Senate continues to oppose it.