Most offered support for specific state programs like the Alaska Marine Highway System and the community assistance program.
"Rep. Neal Foster"
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.
Nearly $1 billion needed to modernize rural sanitation systems
Last year the state put about $9 million and federal agencies put $51 million toward rural sanitation in Alaska. The combined $60 million is less than half of allocations 10 years ago.
Supporters cheer Alaska Native languages bill
Dozens of people testified in favor of HB 216, which unanimously cleared the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee.