Alaskans who received permanent fund dividends in 2016 — and who still live in the state — would receive the back payment for 2016 this year.
Southcentral
Amid accreditation loss, state will temporarily recognize UAA teaching license recommendations
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development announced Tuesday that it will recognize the UAA students who meet licensure requirements during the 2019 spring and summer semesters.
Communities reliant on Coast Guard services feel the pain of federal shutdown
Most U.S. Coast Guard operations are suspended due to the partial federal government shutdown. That’s holding up things like commercial boat and permit sales and construction of passenger vessels.
Alaska House tied in knots on session’s first day
The uncertainty in the Alaska House of Representatives became clear when Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer attempted to swear in Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s nominee to fill a vacant seat in Eagle River.
Loss of accreditation leaves UAA education students unsure about teaching licenses
“You’re asking us to believe in you and what we’re doing in this program, and yet, it’s not there,” said Keith Boswell, one of the UAA education students at a recent meeting with university officials.
Lt. Gov. Meyer prepares to wield gavel amid House uncertainty
Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer will gavel in the legislative session on Tuesday, and there’s an unusual amount of uncertainty surrounding the Alaska House of Representatives. As of Monday afternoon, there was still no majority coalition.
Former Alaska state workers sue, saying they were unconstitutionally fired
The lawsuits filed by the ACLU of Alaska name Gov. Mike Dunleavy, chief of staff Tuckerman Babcock and the state as defendants. The Alaska Department of Law isn’t commenting on the lawsuits.
Dunleavy says PFDs should be automatic, contrary to court ruling
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said state spending will match its revenue. That will require a $1.6 billion spending cut, equal to 27 percent of the portion of the state budget the Alaska Legislature directly controls.
Group wants longer lunch and recess at Anchorage elementary schools
More than 5,300 people have signed an online petition asking the Anchorage School District to require no less than 60 minutes per day for lunch and recess. The district currently mandates at least 45 minutes.
Legislation would put 90-day legislative session, PFDs in Alaska Constitution
Two constitutional amendments were among the first batch of legislative proposals released before the Alaska Legislature convenes on Jan. 15.