JUNEAU — Gov. Sean Parnell on Friday announced plans to seek re-election next year, saying he believes he can be more effective in that role than in pursuing a U.S. Senate bid.

Parnell told The Associated Press his administration has helped to build a "solid foundation" of opportunity for the state, "and it's now time to frame in that opportunity and make it more lasting for Alaskans."

JUNEAU — Republicans leaders hailed the just-ended legislative session as a success in which they accomplished some of their top priorities: addressing oil taxes and energy concerns and exercising fiscal restraint.

Minority Democrats, meanwhile, were much more somber in their assessment Monday. Senate Minority Leader Johnny Ellis called it the worst session in recent history for its long-term effect on Alaskans and the treasury.

“This was the most successful legislative session in the history of the state — for the oil industry,” said Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage.

JUNEAU — A bill aimed at advancing an in-state natural gas pipeline project passed the Alaska Legislature on Saturday.

The House voted 34-4 to agree to changes made in the Senate and supported by the bill’s sponsors, Reps. Mike Hawker and Mike Chenault. Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, was among those who voted no.

She said she believes the project should still be brought back to the Legislature for a final say, a proposal minority Democrats unsuccessfully sought to graft onto the bill. Supporters of HB4 say passage of the bill is essentially legislative sanctioning.

JUNEAU (AP) — A revised fiscal analysis shows a proposed oil tax overhaul could cost the state between $5.4 billion and $5.7 billion through 2019.

That is based on the latest forecast for oil prices and production, released last week, which assumes a continued net decline in production and prices between $109 a barrel and $118 a barrel. Under the prior forecast, the bill crafted in the House Resources Committee would have cost up to $6 billion during that time.