After the sponsors get some official documents, they’ll have one year to collect more than 28,000 qualified signatures to put the question to voters in 2020.
Southcentral
Alaska aims to be first state receiving federal Medicaid funding as a block grant
This means the state would receive a fixed amount of federal money instead of the open-ended commitment under the current approach. It would limit the amount of Medicaid funds coming to Alaska, but allow the state more flexibility in how it operates the program.
Lawmakers amend budget to stop reimbursing municipalities for school bond debt
The vote brings the House budget back into agreement with Gov. Mike Dunleavy on the issue. If the amendment makes it into the final budget, it would shift roughly $100 million in spending from the state to municipalities.
Lawsuit seeks to eliminate Medicaid application backlog
The Alaska Division of Public Assistance director says the backlog has been shrinking recently, including a large decrease in the past month.
UA president recommends closing UAA education program amid accreditation loss
Under the recommendation, Anchorage students would have to take education courses with instructors from the Fairbanks or Southeast campuses, both of which have accredited education departments.
For Kachemak City residents, DIY roadwork beats higher taxes
Kachemak City in the southern Kenai Peninsula offers grants to residents to fix roads themselves. Some residents say DIY roadwork beats higher taxes.
Most Dunleavy budget cuts face legal, political obstacles
With most of the budget, if the Legislature decides to fund more than what the governor wants, he can use his line-item veto to remove the money. But not in the case of the school funds.
Alaska state senators say PFD formula could be changed
Splitting the draw from permanent fund earnings between government and dividends would make dividends more predictable.
Dunleavy gives budget pitch as hundreds rally outside in Anchorage
As Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy made his case for drastic changes to the state’s budget, a crowd outside railed against cuts to services like education, health care and the ferry system.
Feds charge white supremacist gang members in Alaska
Federal authorities in Alaska have filed criminal charges against a total of 18 people connected to a white supremacist gang.