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Major issues unresolved in legislative session’s final weeks

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Major issues unresolved in legislative session’s final weeks

Gov. Dunleavy is facing resistance to pieces of his agenda.

From ‘witch hunt’ to ‘yippee-ki-yay’: Lawmakers confirm Dunleavy appointees after debates

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From ‘witch hunt’ to ‘yippee-ki-yay’: Lawmakers confirm Dunleavy appointees after debates

A couple votes in particular were heated.

The Alaska Marine Highway ferry LeConte pulls into Auke Bay in Juneau, Alaska. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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Senators propose way for ferries to run this winter

There’s still a long time left in the budget process.

Amanda Price, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, center, is surrounded by Department of Public Safety officials during a press conference on her confirmation to the position at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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On eve of vote, public safety commissioner pick tries to win over lawmakers

She said reports of her past have been “incredibly distorted.”

Abbe Hensley, of Best Beginnings, shows off her phone case during a hearing for SB 6 in front of the Senate Education Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. The bill is to provide money for prekindergarten education. The case reads: Alaskans for Early Education. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Pre-K funding bill gives them something to talk about

More pre-K for AK?

Sen. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, speaks about his bill to allow residents to donate their Permanent Fund Dividend back to the state’s general fund during a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Monday. Anne Weske, Director of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, right, also spoke to the committee. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

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There could be a new, quick way to send PFD money to government coffers

People could decide to keep or donate money.

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, works a calculator as he and Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, listen to public testimony on the state budget in the Senate Finance Committee hearing on Friday, April 12, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Senate not shying away from PFD debate

They dive into the process next week.

Rep. Tammie Wilson, right, speaks to other representatives on the House of Representatives floor on Wednesday. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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House passes budget that rejects many Dunleavy cuts

Not everyone’s happy about it.

Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, center, speaks with Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak and Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks, during a House floor session on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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Permanent Fund Dividend looms as House wades through budget

They still hadn’t talked about the dividend.

Rep. Mark Neuman, R-Big Lake, left, speaks with Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, on the House floor as amendments to the budget are proposed on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Dunleavy impatient, unhappy with House

Only one amendment passed Tuesday.

Bills look at PFD’s future, spending cap for Legislature

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Bills look at PFD’s future, spending cap for Legislature

One bill is meant to be a “conversation starter.”

In this Jan. 15, 2019 photo, House Republicians huddle for a decision on the opening day of the 31st Session of the Alaska Legislature. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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Effort to move legislative sessions to Anchorage overcomes hurdle

Proposal would not move the capital.

State’s top public defender resigns

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State’s top public defender resigns

He’ll stay on until the state finds a replacement.

After hearing from 1,800 Alaskans, House ready to form budget to counter Dunleavy’s

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After hearing from 1,800 Alaskans, House ready to form budget to counter Dunleavy’s

They heard from nearly 2,000 Alaskans.

Members of the public wait to share their thoughts on the governor’s budget to the House Finance Committee at the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, March 22, 2019. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

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House Finance holds 1st community meeting on budget in Juneau

Dozens of people told lawmakers they’re ready to give to the state.

A homeless person sleeps on the sidewalk along South Franklin Street on Friday, March 15, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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State homeless services face cuts under proposed budget

It would be a ‘crippling blow.’

Jason Brune, Commissioner designee for the Department of Conservation, speaks to the House Resources Committee at the Capitol on Friday, March 14, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Public skeptical of commissioner’s Pebble past

Dozens of people testified Friday afternoon.

Bill would make permanent Alaska Native Heritage Month

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Bill would make permanent Alaska Native Heritage Month

One Native leader called it “progressive.”

District 31 Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, waits for results to come in at an election night party at Land’s End Resort on Nov. 6, 2018, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

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Vance apologizes for video bashing high school students

Following uproar over a video that some Homer High School students called condescending, Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, removed…

Amber Batts (left) and Terra Burns (right) speak to residents on behalf of CUSP at the Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna on March 11, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

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Advocacy group pushes for measure on police sexual contact

CUSP is pushing to make it illegal for police to have sexual contact during an investigation