News

Bill aimed at curbing Medicaid costs moves in Senate

JUNEAU — Legislation aimed at curbing and containing costs within Alaska’s Medicaid program advanced from a key Senate committee Monday after lawmakers were told of… Continue reading

Administration reviewed, didn’t pursue gas-to-liquids pitch

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker’s administration had a consultant evaluate a pitch to turn North Slope gas to gasoline and ship it through the trans-Alaska… Continue reading

Legislature could be headed for another end-of-session stalemate

Forty-five days through its 90-day session, the Alaska Legislature appears to be in much the same position it was last year, when lawmakers deadlocked and… Continue reading

LIO teleconference schedule for March 2

Friday 3:30 p.m.The Senate Resources Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss SB 164 Fish & Game: Offenses; Licenses; Penalties and SB 172 Fish… Continue reading

Legislative Information Office teleconference schedule for Feb. 29

Monday 1:30 p.m.The Senate Judiciary Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss SB 174 Regulation of Firearms / Knives by University of Alaska. Testimony… Continue reading

Judge tosses lawmaker challenge to Medicaid expansion

JUNEAU (AP) — A state court judge in Alaska has upheld Gov. Bill Walker's decision to expand Medicaid without legislative approval, finding that the federal… Continue reading

Sen. Dan Sullivan heads toward the podium in the state House before his annual address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Sullivan: Alaska strategically important to US

JUNEAU — U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said Monday that Alaska is an area of strategic importance to the country, given its foothold in the Arctic… Continue reading

Sen. Dan Sullivan heads toward the podium in the state House before his annual address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Senate OKs bill to bar Planned Parenthood in schools

JUNEAU — As members of a Juneau Girl Scout troop looked on, the Alaska Senate on Friday narrowly passed a bill that would ban abortion… Continue reading

Panels propose cuts, changes in weighing Alaska budget

JUNEAU — Work furloughs. Cuts to public broadcasting, pre-kindergarten programs and the University of Alaska system. Closure of a youth detention facility in Nome.These are… Continue reading

Measures would restrict Planned Parenthood in Alaska schools

JUNEAU — Alaska lawmakers are poised to consider legislation that would bar school districts from contracting with abortion services providers or allowing them to offer… Continue reading

Senate addresses 2 issues raised by regulator in pot bill

JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate passed legislation Wednesday that would allow regulators of Alaska’s up-and-coming legal marijuana industry to obtain national criminal history checks on… Continue reading

Regulators to take applications for pot businesses

JUNEAU — A regulatory board in Alaska today will begin accepting applications for marijuana business licenses — the next step in setting up the state’s… Continue reading

Legislative Information Office teleconference schedule for Feb. 22

Monday 1:00 p.m.The House Resources Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss HB 247 Tax; Credits; Interest; Refunds; Oil & Gas with Continuation of… Continue reading

Bill would reduce penalty for texting while driving

JUNEAU — The Senate Judiciary Committee examined legislation Monday aimed at boosting enforcement of Alaska’s ban on texting while driving. It would reduce the penalty… Continue reading

UA prepares to lose millions in state funding

JUNEAU (AP) — A slump in oil prices has officials looking at the amount and impact of a deep cut in the University of Alaska… Continue reading

In this Feb. 4, 2016, photo, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker bowls with fellow legislators and staff in Juneau, Alaska. It was his first night of bowling with the legislative bowling leagues. Bipartisan, bicameral bowling has been a staple of Alaska's legislative session for nearly 30 years. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Bipartisan bowling: Alaska politicians roll off steam

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska lawmakers gather each week in the state capital ready to rumble, but it’s not to continue their already tense and rocky… Continue reading

In this Feb. 4, 2016, photo, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker bowls with fellow legislators and staff in Juneau, Alaska. It was his first night of bowling with the legislative bowling leagues. Bipartisan, bicameral bowling has been a staple of Alaska's legislative session for nearly 30 years. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, gives her annual address to Alaska lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. Murkowski cautioned lawmakers against federal encroachment during the final months of President Barack Obama's presidency. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Murkowski points to federal gains, overreach during address

JUNEAU — U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski began her annual address to Alaska lawmakers with accolades about federal progress on issues that could bring economic growth… Continue reading

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, gives her annual address to Alaska lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. Murkowski cautioned lawmakers against federal encroachment during the final months of President Barack Obama's presidency. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Mallott rejects Democrats’ proposed primary change

JUNEAU — Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott on Wednesday declined a request by Alaska Democrats to allow candidates not affiliated with a political party to run… Continue reading

DNR commissioner resigns

One of the leading figures behind the development of a trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline has announced his resignation. In an email to employees of the… Continue reading

In this Feb. 5, 2016 photo, Bernadette Wilson, daughter Penelope Grace Tuck and partner Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, pose for a photo in Tuck's office in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of wielding limited influence, with their support expected to be critical to passing a budget this session. Their leader is Tuck, whom colleagues see as well-suited for the job: a union organizer with a disarming laugh and a willingness to hear people out. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Colleagues say House Democratic leader fits his role well

JUNEAU — Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of limited influence, with their support expected to be critical in passing a budget this… Continue reading

In this Feb. 5, 2016 photo, Bernadette Wilson, daughter Penelope Grace Tuck and partner Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, pose for a photo in Tuck's office in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of wielding limited influence, with their support expected to be critical to passing a budget this session. Their leader is Tuck, whom colleagues see as well-suited for the job: a union organizer with a disarming laugh and a willingness to hear people out. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)