Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, asks a question about the state administration's modeling of various budget scenarios during a town hall-style meeting between the state's Governor and legislators on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Walker repeats need for fiscal plan in legislative briefing

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker on Wednesday said he wouldn’t veto legislation calling for structured, annual draws from Alaska Permanent Fund earnings if he doesn’t… Continue reading

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, asks a question about the state administration's modeling of various budget scenarios during a town hall-style meeting between the state's Governor and legislators on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)
Alaska state House Speaker Mike Chenault leans forward to speak with Rep. Kurt Olson during a break in an evening floor session on Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Meyer: Permanent fund bill could be difficult in Senate

JUNEAU — Senate President Kevin Meyer said Tuesday that he doesn’t think there’s broad support in his chamber for a restructuring of Alaska Permanent Fund… Continue reading

Alaska state House Speaker Mike Chenault leans forward to speak with Rep. Kurt Olson during a break in an evening floor session on Sunday, April 17, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker talks Monday, April 18, 2016, about the end-of-session issues left for the state's legislature to cover in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Walker would like lawmakers to keep working in Juneau

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker said Monday that he would like legislators to continue their work in Juneau, even if that means relocating from the… Continue reading

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker talks Monday, April 18, 2016, about the end-of-session issues left for the state's legislature to cover in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)
Alaska state Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, speaks during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Lawmakers assess options to wrap work as session’s end looms

JUNEAU — Legislative leaders planned to weigh their options for completing critical work on a state budget and other key issues as the scheduled end… Continue reading

Alaska state Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, speaks during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Saturday, April 16, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

AGDC narrows CEO search

The Alaska Gasline Development Corp.’s search for a new CEO appears to be winding down.AGDC board member Hugh Short, who has led the board’s hunt… Continue reading

Bill to ban Planned Parenthood in schools dies in committee

In a 5-2 vote, a House committee put a stop to a bill Tuesday that would’ve banned abortion providers from teaching sexual education in public… Continue reading

House minority sees tax credit bill as key to fiscal plan

JUNEAU — The minority leader of the Alaska House said Wednesday that if his caucus isn’t satisfied with changes to the state’s oil and gas… Continue reading

Sen. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, left, watches as colleague Sen. Lesil McGuire, right, discusses the state's tax credit program for oil companies during a Senate Majority news conference on Monday, April 11, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. A planned Sunday vote on a bill that is designed to gradually reduce the $825 million in credits to companies with no tax liabilities stalled on the House floor. Republican House majority members have delayed committee meetings Monday as they meet to hammer out a consensus on House Bill 247. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Walker not sure legislators can wrap fiscal work by Sunday

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker said Tuesday that as much of an optimist as he is, he doesn’t see state legislators wrapping up work on… Continue reading

Sen. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, left, watches as colleague Sen. Lesil McGuire, right, discusses the state's tax credit program for oil companies during a Senate Majority news conference on Monday, April 11, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. A planned Sunday vote on a bill that is designed to gradually reduce the $825 million in credits to companies with no tax liabilities stalled on the House floor. Republican House majority members have delayed committee meetings Monday as they meet to hammer out a consensus on House Bill 247. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Debate on oil tax credits slows progress in state House

JUNEAU — A looming fight over the state’s oil and gas tax credits is coming to a head in the state House as it majority… Continue reading

Senate reshapes criminal justice landscape

In a landmark 16-2 vote, the Alaska Senate has approved one of the most sweeping changes to the 49th state’s criminal sentencing structure since statehood.Senate… Continue reading

Study: Pensions underfunded, underperforming

The back-and-forth over who will pay what to state retirement plans has caused plenty of consternation in Juneau the last two weeks, but a new… Continue reading

Additional bill restricting Planned Parenthood in schools introduced

JUNEAU — Two Wasilla Republicans are working to limit special interest groups like Planned Parenthood from teaching in Alaska’s public schools.Republican Rep. Lynn Gattis introduced… Continue reading

Lawmakers move rewrite of Walker’s fisheries tax bill

JUNEAU — A House fisheries committee advanced a rewrite of Gov. Bill Walker’s fisheries tax bill on Tuesday, diverting half of the potential revenue into… Continue reading

Corrections chief defends appointment amid criticism

JUNEAU — State Corrections Commissioner Dean Williams defended his appointment Tuesday amid criticism from a correctional officers’ union over a scathing review of the department… Continue reading

Senate majority pauses retirement bill after new estimates

JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate majority announced Monday that legislation calling for increased local contributions to the public employees’ retirement system was on hold given… Continue reading

Legislative Information Office schedule for April 4

Monday 1:00 p.m.The House Resources Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss SB 32 Timber Sales and HB 112 Repeal CFEC; Transfer Functions to… Continue reading

Bill seeks to address rising health insurance rates

JUNEAU — State officials in Alaska are proposing a program to address high-cost health insurance claims in hopes of stabilizing rising rates on the individual… Continue reading

Bill aims to keep criminals from returning to jail

JUNEAU — Alaska lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at preventing criminals from repeatedly returning to jail.The measure is part of a sweeping criminal justice… Continue reading

House panel advances tax credit bill rewrite

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker’s proposal to reduce spending on oil and gas tax credits has been scaled by a state House committee, which also… Continue reading

Group criticizes Walker on fisheries policy

JUNEAU — Fishermen, Alaska Native tribal members and clean water advocates on Wednesday criticized Gov. Bill Walker’s administration over its handling of fisheries and water… Continue reading