A major piece of the end-of-session talks is a bill to draw from Alaska Permanent Fund earnings to pay for state government. The conference committee on Senate Bill 26 is scheduled to meet Saturday.
Politics
State capital spending would be down slightly in Senate plan
Senate lawmakers heard public testimony on proposed capital budget, including from tourism industry representatives asking to restore $3 million for marketing the Senate cut.
Legislative Council adopts new sexual harassment policy
The council adopted a separate professional workplace conduct policy. It prohibits a variety of behavior.
What’s up with the state operating budget on day 99 of the legislative session?
The Permanent Fund Corp. is urging the Legislature to pass a plan – so that they’re able to manage fund investments more effectively.
Juneau’s Rep. Justin Parish won’t seek re-election
Rep. Justin Parish says he won’t seek re-election. That puts Juneau’s entire legislative delegation in play this fall.
Juneau Rep. Parish won’t run for re-election
That sets up the race for House District 34 to be between two sitting Juneau Assembly members, Democrat Rob Edwardson and Republican Jerry Nankervis.
Dunleavy brings gubernatorial primary message to Ketchikan
Dunleavy said the upcoming governor’s election gives Alaskans an opportunity to try something new. He questions whether Gov. Walker has had a positive influence on the state’s economy.
Legislature passes school funding bill, likely averting mass layoff notices to school workers
The last two years, many teachers received layoff notices because the Legislature passed the budget too late for school systems to write their budgets.
Senate Medicaid budget cut may overstate savings
Federal and state law require certain Medicaid funding. The Senate’s Medicaid funding levels fall short of state projections for that obligation.
Capitol rally calls for more funding to support STEAM education in Alaska
As nearly 100 people rallied for the second annual March for Science outside, legislators inside debated education funding.