Hello Alaska

A big week in the legislature as the governor threatens to veto education funding, taxes are on the table, and the House Majority takes steps to prioritize the PFD formula in the constitution.

In this episode we turn our attention to the energy problems on the horizon for Anchorage and the bizarre Dunleavy press conference.

Alaska House Republicans advance education bill over strong opposition from teachers and parentsMaguireGov. Dunleavy’s veto of some education funds stands after joint session voteChoateKirchAlaska lawmakers fail to override Gov. Dunleavy’s education funding vetoAlaska education reform bill appears on fast track after lawmakers see rewriteDunleavy gains control to pick all nine members of state ferry board July 1 under executive orderCitizens Against Money in Politics

Alaskan.SocialPrefile LegislationLegislation introduced to address university’s deferred maintenance backlogAnchorage Democrat proposes statewide bed taxThe Alaska MemoAlaska campaign finance watchdog hits ranked choice voting foes with nearly $95K in finesGroup seeking to increase Alaska minimum wage turns in signatures to put question on 2024 ballotCitizens Against Money in PoliticsLetter: Limiting money in politics

Hi. Hello Alaska is back. Here are some of the items we talked about this episode:

Fix the Permanent Fund dividend? There’s no shortage of ideas in the Alaska LegislatureAlaska House Republican introduces 2% sales tax bill as part of fiscal planLower revenue forecast increases budget woes for state lawmakersSabbatiniBill to raise oil tax revenue introduced in the Alaska SenateWillow oil project expected to cost Alaska treasury more than it brings in during early yearsNew revenue estimate for Willow project presents rosier picture for Alaska treasury

Proposal could restructure Permanent FundSymmesAlaska lawmakers want to combine permanent fund accountsLegislators move to prevent overspending of Permanent FundFISCAL POLICY WORKING GROUP FINAL REPORT

Alaska, Mercer settle pensions lawsuitComlayAlaska’s state retirement system shows a benefits gap compared to old pension planSenate majority introduces plan to overhaul Alaska’s public retirement systemState workers say chronic understaffing caused food stamp backlogDepartment behind Alaska’s food stamp backlog will soon be processing 260K Medicaid reapplicationsChanges being proposed for short term rentals in JuneauAlaska Legislature rejects pay raise for governor, commissionersUA Deferred Maintenance SlidesAlaska lawmaker censured for asking if fatal child abuse saved taxpayer moneyRep. Eastman sparks outrage after asking about the potential economic benefits of the deaths of abused Alaska children

An early session interview with Rep. Genevieve Mina.

Retiring from the high court, Alaska’s chief justice defends its system of selecting judgesChief justice bids lawmakers a fervent farewellSabbatiniPolice and firefighter pension bill, long sought by unions, is revived in Alaska HouseAlaska senators say $1,000 increase to per student funding is “beginning of a conversation”Climate activists hold rally near the Capitol

Anchorage’s Duke Russell earns special nod as Rasmuson Foundation names Individual Artist Award recipientsWatch: Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s 2023 State of the State addressDunleavy says he wants Alaska to be the nation’s ‘most pro-life state’Gov. Dunleavy says his carbon storage bills could bring Alaska ‘billions,’ but many unknowns remainWith songs and speeches, Alaskans rally in Juneau for more education fundingThe Alaska Current

Recorded 1/22/2023 – Talking about the first week of legislative session.

2022 wasn’t as bad as expected, but then again, we weren’t expecting muchAnchorage is still struggling to remove snow, weeks after a trio of winter storms Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson abruptly replaces Municipal Manager Amy DemboskiDecision in Eastman case will not be appealedAlaska lawmaker with Oath Keepers ties eligible for officeState workers say chronic understaffing caused food stamp backlogState Public Assistance director is no longer in her post following news of months-long waits for food stampsAlaska projects in $1.7 trillion bill have Murkowski beaming; Sullivan votes no

In preliminary results, Democrats appear likely to flip two Alaska Senate seatsDemocrats, independents make key gains in latest legislative resultsUpdated election results solidify incumbents’ positions in Alaska’s statewide racesWith more votes counted, Alaska House races are split 20-20 between Republicans and othersAlaska Gov. Dunleavy still on track to secure another term with more ballots counted

Democrat Mary Peltola wins special U.S. House election, will be first Alaska Native elected to Congress Five takeaway lessons from Alaska’s first ranked choice election Podcast: ADN Politics Podcast Podcast: Tlél Wudakʼóodzi Ḵaa Lʼóotʼ (Tongue Unbroken) High Times Cannabis Cup Alaska: People’s Choice Edition 2022

In this one we talk about the seasonal nature of Alaska and catch up after a busy summer. Primary elections are here and Anchorage is Anchorage. Election Finance: And the award goes to… Anchorage is Anchorage: Anchorage mayor says he’s investigating the hiring of former health director Joe Gerace Employment: Weeks from restarting, schools across … Continue reading 069 – Summer Daze