MacKinnon noted that if the state had issued the bonds last fall, it would have saved money so far.
Southcentral
Popular program puts STEM in kids’ hands
Dozens of middle school students are in Anchorage from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District for hands-on learning at the Alaska Native Science and Engineering program.
Lawmakers eye lower health care cost as way of lowering budget
The legislature ordered a study last year, looking at whether the state could save money by creating a new health care authority.
Anchorage businesses grapple with sudden electricity bill increase
Many businesses in Anchorage aren’t happy with the sudden increase in electric bills. Some are taking their case to state regulators, while others are trying more creative solutions to cut back on electricity costs.
UPS, Delta oppose proposal to triple state jet fuel tax
But the Alaska Trucking Association supports a similar increase on fuel for cars and trucks.
Huge fine issued for dangerous incident at Anchorage power plant
The state is fining three companies a combined $882,000 for violations that led to a dangerous incident last September at a power plant in East Anchorage
Software update locks thousands of state workers out of computers
Roughly 6,000 state workers were unable to log in to their computers, affecting two in five executive branch workers.
Differences over future divide Alaska Legislature
Fiscal experts maintain some optimism that lawmakers will still be able to bridge the divide.
State health commissioner, Rep. Young concerned about health care bill
Health Commissioner Valeria Davidson said the bill would devastate the Medicaid program in the state. Davidson said the bill shift responsibility onto states at a time when Alaska can’t afford it.
House passes deep cut to per diem allowances
The House voted to cut the money to pay for lawmakers’ daily expenses during the legislative session by three-quarters. These per diem allowances are nearly $300 for the first 30 days of the session, then drop to close to $200 a day. They would fall to $50-$75 a day. But the proposal faces a big hurdle in the Senate.