Hoffman said he believes the state will eventually require an income tax, but it shouldn’t happen 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.
Alaska’s income tax fight is only latest skirmish in decades-long conflict
Historian Terrence Cole said Alaska’s income tax both helped balance the territorial government’s budget and paved the way for Alaska becoming a state.
Eastman becomes first Alaska state representative to be censured
The House voted 25 to 14 to condemn Eastman for saying some women – including those who live in villages — are glad to become pregnant so they can receive Medicaid-funded travel to have abortions.
New legislation aims to enshrine PFDs in constitution
House Majority Leader Chris Tuck said he hopes passing the constitutional amendment will help break the logjam on other legislation to use some Permanent Fund earnings to fund state government.
Rural House members demand apology from Rep. Eastman over abortion remarks
Eastman hasn’t backed down from comments he made earlier this week. He said “rather than taking the word of my constituents or my word that we have a hearing to delve into how our funds are currently being used.”
Deep differences remain with two weeks to go in Alaska’s legislative session
There are few signs of progress on reaching compromises on the budget and a long-term plan to pay for it.
Rep. Eastman: Some women ‘glad’ to be pregnant for Medicaid-funded travel for abortions
Eastman didn’t provide evidence for this, but said he had been told this by friends and acquaintances.
Alaska Native representatives offer support for income tax
Tanana Chiefs Conference General Counsel Natasha Singh said her organization would support drawing money from the Permanent Fund — if the solution is balanced.
Computer finds income tax could help budget if oil price is low
But House members say there’s only so much they can learn from the model.
Oil prices shrink budget gap, but lawmakers remain far apart
The gap is about $200 million less than it was before state officials updated their forecast last week.