This year’s legislative session starts Tuesday, Jan. 16. Ahead of their return to the Capitol, lawmakers are using pre-session bill filings to lay out priorities for the months to come.
"Andy Josephson"
No special session this year on fiscal issues, Alaska legislators say
Members of the Alaska Legislature say they’re far apart on a long-term structure to stabilize state finances.
Alaska House committee removes funding for state attorney assigned to sue local school districts
A proposal from Gov. Mike Dunleavy was a ‘flashpoint amendment,’ one committee member said.
Senate bill aims to address state employment crisis with a better retirement system
A report last year estimated one in five state jobs is vacant.
Gov. Dunleavy adds $9M to budget to address food stamp, Medicaid backlog
The money will be spent on hiring contract workers to help state employees get through the backlog so they are prepared for upcoming Medicaid recertifications.
With more votes counted, Alaska House races are split 20-20 between Republicans and others
No state Senate or statewide races changed leaders, but Murkowski and Tshibaka are closer.
First-time Alaska legislative candidates are trying to make their mark before Election Day
For first-time candidates, it’s a major time commitment to put together a platform, knock on doors and hold events — usually on top of a day job.
Alaska House votes to cut Medicaid funding for abortion services
The Alaska House of Representatives passed a budget amendment Wednesday intended to cut Medicaid funding for abortions. Courts have ruled against previous attempts by the Legislature to eliminate public funding for abortion services.
Alaska legislators want answers after abrupt removal of Permanent Fund CEO
Anchorage Republican Sen. Natasha von Imhof said Alaskans deserve answers about Rodell’s sudden removal.
Lawmakers advance bill to hike Alaska’s lowest-in-the-nation gas tax
Most of the revenue from the bill would go toward highway maintenance. And it enjoys wide support from business and industry groups that say it would help reinvest in Alaska’s road infrastructure.