Acting Corrections Commissioner Dean Williams says he’s moving forward, to address what he sees as needed changes to the department.
State Government
Juneau rallies for hope amid heroin crisis
For some in the crowd, the event signified how communities are changing the conversation when it comes to talking about addiction.
With budget conference committee set, legislature enters home stretch
The committee will work out differences between the operating budgets passed by both bodies.
In aftermath of fire, Emmonak declares disaster
Without emergency aid, Emmonak City Manager Martin Moore said last month’s fire damage could cripple the area’s economy.
Feds refuse state request to prosecute former VECO chief Bill Allen
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the Justice Department declined to prosecute former VECO owner Bill Allen due to the weakness of admissible evidence.
As budget stopgap, Rep. Olson floats 35 percent PFD tax
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.
Four Supreme Court nominees submitted to Gov. Walker
Gov. Walker now has about six weeks to name replacement on the bench.
Rep. Young calls for state support of Sturgeon appeal
Young also said that while he’s running for re-election, when the time comes for a successor, Alaskans should choose someone who’s young.
Senate Finance Committee pulls various bills from hearing
Late last month, the Senate Finance Committee introduced bills to cut back the Community Revenue Sharing grant program, and up the amount schools and municipalities pay toward employee’s pensions. But now, at least, one of those bills – the one dealing with PERS contributions – has been put on hold. The bills were pulled from Monday’s scheduled hearing with less than a day’s notice.
Criminal justice bill amended to reduce benefits to sex offenders
Senate Bill 91 is aimed at reducing recidivism, as well as the state’s prison costs.