With Julie Kitka, the president of the Alaska Federation of Natives by his side, Walker announced at a press conference that the state would make it easier for Alaska Native children to remain with extended family or with tribal members in adoption cases.
State Government
Juneau School District hopes special election will make $14 million difference
The district wants voters to approve a bond measure for school renovations before a law stopping state reimbursements for school construction takes effect.
Opt out bill could cost Alaska $97 million in federal school funding
The Legislature has advanced a contentious education bill that would allow parents to opt out of standardized tests and certain school curricula.
State House moves to freeze public employee salaries
The five-line bill repeals a 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-union public employees, which comprise about 2,000 members of the state workforce.
Walker commands lawmakers to act on appointments
The executive proclamation comes days after legislative leadership cancelled their confirmation session — and days after the governor sent a six-page letter reiterating that he would veto a contentious gasline bill and urging lawmakers not to override him.
Public media cuts could end local programming
Some Alaska public broadcasters would have to give up local programming if the state Senate’s budget cuts go through.
House steps towards full legal marijuana market
House Bill 123 sets up a body within the ABC Board to start doing exactly what voters opted for on Ballot Measure 2: regulating marijuana like alcohol.
New rules for National Guard to wait until next year
At a hearing on Tuesday, Chair Gabrielle LeDoux said that the bill will not make it to the floor before the Legislature gavels out.
Lawmakers opt to keep Anchorage LIO lease … for now
In a 13-to-1 vote, the Legislative Council has decided to punt on the question of what to do with the Anchorage legislative information office.
Lawmaker sends questionable email on Medicaid expansion
A Republican lawmaker from Eagle River sent an e-mail Friday attempting to rally opposition to Medicaid expansion.