At the March 13 event in Palmer, Rep. Don Young encouraged people to remain calm in the face of the “beer virus.” He blamed the media for stoking an overreaction and cautioned against spending money the country doesn’t have.
Politics
State legislators approve budget boost for Alaska Marine Highway
In the past year, cost-cutting, a summer labor strike and a mechanical failure resulted in months-long service gaps, both planned and unplanned, for Alaska’s ferry system.
Alaska Legislature passes budget with $1,000 PFD, no stimulus
The bill would draw $1.1 billion from the state’s main savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve — mostly because of the recent collapse in oil prices. That means the state’s savings will be near the minimum it needs to pay the bills.
18 Alaska state representatives ask Dunleavy for statewide shelter-in-place order
In a letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the lawmakers recognized that the order would “undoubtedly cause hardship for some Alaskans,” but that they believe Alaskans are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to keep their communities safe.
Ten things to know about what the Alaska Legislature is doing
Alaska’s Legislature has been working to finish the state budget and pass bills in response to the coronavirus, and lawmakers could leave Juneau as soon as Friday.
Alaska Supreme Court challenges lawyers on both sides in Dunleavy recall arguments
Assistant Attorney General Margaret Paton-Walsh said if Dunleavy could be recalled for failing to appoint a judge in 45 days, then any governor could be recalled for violating any law. Justice Craig Stowers pushed back.
Alaska leaders have taken drastic measures to slow the coronavirus. The ‘$1M question’ is whether they’re enough.
Experts say COVID-19’s relatively late arrival in Alaska, combined with its isolation, could give the state an advantage over areas that had less time to prepare.
Watch: Alaska Supreme Court hears Recall Dunleavy case
On Wednesday, the Alaska Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the lawsuit over the legality of the recall election effort against Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Senate adds $1,000 stimulus checks before sending budget back to House
Wasilla Republican Sen. Mike Shower proposed the payment as an amendment to the budget bill. Senators intend for the payments to be made immediately after the bill passes.
Bush Alaska lawmakers seek extension of REAL ID deadline due to coronavirus concerns
Legislators who represent the bulk of Alaska’s villages are asking the state’s congressional delegation to try to extend the deadline for Alaskans to get REAL ID-compliant identification.