Saturday in the Sun (March 30): The Civil Disobedience edition
A day late and a dollar of UGF short.
March 2019
Friday in the Sun: The It’ll Be Saturday edition
See y’all on Saturday.
AKLEG DAY 72: Senators open discussion on changing PFD formula, possibly putting it in the constitution
The PFD, the roadshow, the budget and ethics. Here’s what happened on Day 72.
Dunleavy’s budget is built on ideas and cherry-picked statistics that deepen the divide between rich and poor
In Dunleavy’s view, there’s a choice only between extremes: Either Alaska continues on a path he claims will lead to financial ruin and taxes or everyone needs to sign on with his Americans for Prosperity-approved plan to throttle state spending and stifle taxes.
After meeting with Alaska’s Chief Justice, Dunleavy says he’ll follow constitution’s rules on judicial appointments
Turns out the Alaska Constitution always wins.
AKLEG Day 71: Dunleavy dismisses public testimony heard by House, pledges vetoes
Average Alaskans support his budget, Dunleavy says.
House rejects Dunleavy’s proposal to ship 500 inmates Outside, still finds $24 million in cuts
Legislators said the administration couldn’t justify the propose changes.
AKLEG Day 70: Legislature fast tracks earthquake recovery money
Legislators also reviewed a proposal to end funding for medical education and the House continued to plug away with its budget.
Alaska Chief Justice Bolger has a lesson on the Alaska Constitution, judicial appointments for Gov. Dunleavy
The governor refused to appointee one of the two nominees put forward by the Alaska Judicial Council to fill a vacancy in the Palmer Superior Court. Bolger replied with a constitutional lesson, noting the Alaska Constitution isn’t optional.
Hundreds of Alaskans call for a more balanced approach to the budget
Many testifiers said the budget decisions can’t be boiled down to a choice between a PFD and the state services. Other changes like broad-based taxes, changes to oil taxes and reasonable cuts should be part of the discussion.