Saturday in the Sun (Feb. 8): The ‘I’ll get back to you’ edition
I don’t have any concrete evidence to support this position, but I do have an anecdote.
February 2020
Department of Labor suspends widely panned proposal for trainee program, pledging better engagement
Opponents said the proposed trainee program would have skirted the well-regulated apprenticeship program, creating a pathway to less-prepared workers with lower earning ability.
Ferry outage in Southeast Alaska could extend through end of March. AKLEG Day 17 Recap
“There’s a good likelihood we will not have service in Southeast in March,” conceded Department of Transportation Commissioner John MacKinnon on Thursday.
‘Do your homework.’ Senators blast administration for downplaying REAL ID concerns in rural Alaska
The administration isn’t asking for additional money for a mobile DMV program because it says there’s been little interest from rural communities. Senators weren’t buying it. “Lives may be in danger because you are waiting for them to request services that they are unaware that they need,” said Sen. Lyman Hoffman.
Dunleavy asks for $128.7 million to cover Medicaid cuts legislators said were unrealistic. AKLEG Day 16 Recap
Legislators warned the governor against deep cuts, calling them unrealistic “flim-flam” last year. Now Dunleavy’s asking for money to cover his error.
‘Perhaps we could talk about sales taxes.’ Dunleavy administration seeks money for tax team
The administration said it’d like to engage the Legislature on new revenue. “In specific, perhaps we could talk about sales taxes.”
Murkowski, Sullivan vote to clear Trump on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges
Murkowski said Trump’s actions were “shameful and wrong” but that voters should ultimately decide if it was shameful and wrong.
Administration struggles to explain no-bid contract to grandson of key Dunleavy donor
The administration said the contract was so small it doesn’t merit additional scrutiny, but they struggled to explain exactly what the state was getting out of the contract.
Will Dunleavy veto a hike to motor fuel taxes? Can’t say. AKLEG Day 14 Recap
The Legislature is nibbling around the edges on new revenue as the House starts to pull together its budget. Here’s some of what happened on…
Comic: Marmot Day
It’s always Marmot Day in our hearts.