Thousands of low-income seniors will see a drop in their state benefits starting March 1. Officials say they have tried to mitigate the negative impacts on beneficiaries, which stem from last year’s budget cuts.
State Government
House subcommittees cut state operating budget deeper
Health and Social Services was the department that received the deepest cuts. They include eliminating $5.18 million in cash assistance to seniors, and $3 million in behavioral health grants.
Is Medicaid Expansion Near a Tipping Point?
“The ideological opposition to the president will have to start fading when he’s out of office. At that point, the facts and the evidence will start to matter more.”
Subcommittee looks for $35 million cut to University of Alaska
Combined with Gov. Bill Walker’s proposed $15 million cut, the university would lose one in seven dollars in state funding.
AHFC to stop accepting Home Energy Rebate applications
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation will stop accepting new applications for the Home Energy Rebate Program waitlist next month. People who are in the process of making their homes more energy efficient are still eligible to receive up to $10,000 for home improvements. As of Jan. 15, 113 people were on the waitlist, and AHFC…
As first legislative budget cuts emerge, some question rural impact
Reductions include $9.8 million in cuts to education programs, as well as cutting all $2.7 million in state funding for public broadcasting.
Alaska House subcommittee wants to cut most state funding for public broadcasting
It’s an early step in a potential $3.5 million reduction sure to rile supporters of Alaska’s public TV and radio stations.
Lawmakers sign $35,000 contract for LIO analysis
Lawmakers have approved a contract for a global consulting firm to examine whether lawmakers should move offices out of the controversial Legislative Information Office in downtown Anchorage.
State trims $7 million from gas pipeline budget
Deputy Natural Resources Commissioner Marty Rutherford told the House Finance Committee the change reflects slow negotiations with the state’s three pipeline partners, as well as the low price of gas.
Legislators hear more about Permanent Fund proposals
There are three proposals to help close the state’s budget shortfall using the Permanent Fund. Legislators are weighing which — if any — to support.