With less than two weeks left in the session, Olson decided it was time for House Bill 376, which would apply a 35 percent tax to dividends.
Economy
Bill would allow cities to help fund ferry system
A Southeast lawmaker wants communities to be able to contribute directly to the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Alaska Air To Buy Virgin America For $2.6 Billion
If approved by regulators and Virgin America’s shareholders, the combined airline will become the fifth-largest U.S. carrier.
Juneau seawater heat pump more than a pipe dream?
Recently, the Alaska House passed a bill that could make it easier for one hydro project to get off the ground. If the Juneau Hydropower Inc. gets built, the company wants to bring sustainable heat to some residents from an abundant source.
At low prices, North Slope production taxes could drop to zero
As oil continues to hover around $40 a barrel, Alaska is confronting a new reality: if prices stay this low, the state’s major North Slope producers might owe no production taxes at all in coming years.
Virtual farmers markets coming to Kenai Peninsula
Farmers markets are going virtual. Soon Kenai Peninsula residents will be able to buy locally grown food online. The new marketplaces are called ‘Food Hubs.’
Mattel publicity stunt renames Juneau for April Fools’ Day
The residents of Juneau got a surprise today when the city was renamed after an iconic Mattel game. About 25 kids got to go to city hall to witness the “historic” event and, of course, play with the namesake.
Update: Sealaska sends $16 million to shareholders
Approximately 22,000 tribal members will each get between $129 and $1,082, depending on their status. Dividends will be distributed April 14.
Alaska’s unusual oil tax credit system poses daunting budget challenge
“It started out as a good idea, but incrementally got more and more complicated to the point that it’s difficult to understand, and difficult to control, and way too expensive,” said Tim Bradner, a longtime energy reporter who writes the Alaska Legislative Digest.
Legislators offer $32.5 million for Anchorage LIO
The building’s owners were seeking $34 million from the legislature. They said it cost nearly $37 million to build.