If the Legislature wanted to, it could spend Permanent Fund earnings by a simple majority vote.
Economy
Tug grounds in Sumner Strait; five rescued uninjured
102-foot tug Ocean Eagle and 300-foot barge grounded Wednesday evening near Strait Island in Sumner Strait.
Grant Aviation dismisses pilot in Unalaska plane accident; NTSB still investigating
A mechanical problem wasn’t at fault for forcing down one of Grant Aviation’s planes, causing it to belly flop at the Unalaska Airport last month, the regional airline said. Beyond that, airline officials are keeping quiet about the accident’s cause — at least for now.
Kuskokwim salmon management group wants earlier meeting with state managers on summer king run
There may be fewer king salmon on the Kuskokwim River this summer than hoped, and some residents want to meet with state biologists now to figure out how best to manage both expectations and the fishery.
Ben Carson confirmed as secretary of Housing and Urban Development
The retired neurosurgeon’s nomination raised eyebrows, given his lack of experience in the field, but the Senate voted 58-41 to confirm him.
Public testimony tilts against oil and gas tax overhaul
Most Alaskans who offered public testimony Wednesday on a proposed overhaul of the state’s oil and gas taxes and tax credits opposed the measure. House Bill 111 would also increase minimum production taxes.
Juneau Assembly to vote on sales tax exemption for cruise ships
The city’s finance department concluded last year that cruise ships are legally liable to collect local sales tax and could raise as much as $100,000 annually. But an ordinance considered by the Juneau Assembly on March 6 would exempt onboard transactions as a friendly gesture to the industry.
Ocean acidification in Southeast, tribal network seeks regional impact
Ocean acidification has been big news lately. Experts have spoken about the possible consequences for shellfish and the critters that eat them but, its actual impact in Southeast Alaska is not known. Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research, a network of 15 Southeast tribes, hopes to answer that question.
Lawmakers press ahead with Uber legislation
Ride-sharing company Uber left Alaska in 2015, agreeing not to return until a state law was in place that exempted the company from paying workers’ compensation insurance for its drivers.
Now, three state legislators are leading the effort to lay the groundwork for the company’s return, including a measure moving through the state House and one in the Senate.
Pederson Hill housing gets Planning Commission approval
A unanimous Juneau Planning Commission approved the first phase of the Pederson Hill subdivision, clearing a major hurdle for the city’s housing initiative. Now it will be up to the Juneau Assembly to decide how it will offload the 86 lots.