U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski delivered her annual address to the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday. This is the first of three special addresses this week in the state Capitol.
Politics
Senators question Dunleavy’s budget proposal
Anchorage Republican Sen. Natasha von Imhof said that to maintain Dunleavy’s commitment to full permanent fund dividends — without having an income tax — would require cuts on the scale he’s proposed.
Multi-partisan House majority takes shape
The newly-formed House majority is working out who will fill its committee seats. Meanwhile, the majority coalition is still trying to add more Republican members who are currently in the minority.
Dunleavy offers Alaska National Guard support to Trump’s emergency declaration
Gov. Michael Dunleavy issued a short video statement Friday offering the state’s support to President Donald Trump’s declaration of a national emergency.
‘Devastating’ and ‘significant’: Educators react to Dunleavy’s budget proposal
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen says if Dunleavy’s budget proposal goes through, he’s confident that programs would have to be cut and campuses would need to shut down.
Young sponsors bill to bring back deported vets
Alaska Congressman Don Young is co-sponsoring a bill that would reverse the deportation of non-citizens who served in the U.S. military.
Findings released regarding governor’s bid to fire head of state oil and gas watchdog agency
The report supports some, but not all, of the governor’s charges against the chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, former Democratic state Sen. Hollis French.
Sweeping budget lowers spending on schools, university, Medicaid, ferries
Dunleavy says his budget would ensure that the money the state spends matches the money it brings in — without new taxes, PFD cuts or drawing down savings.
Edgmon returns as House speaker as two Republicans break deadlock
Republicans Chuck Kopp and Jennifer Johnston decided to break the monthlong tie and vote for Edgmon, who up until recently was a Democrat. He changed his party affiliation earlier this week to undeclared.
Dunleavy faces political, legal obstacles to enacting far-reaching budget cuts
Gov. Dunleavy’s power to reduce Alaska’s budget only goes so far — there are legal and political obstacles that stand between the governor and his goal of a balanced budget.