House panel takes first step to restoring ‘basic, minimal’ year-round ferry service
The money would restore 12-months of “basic, minimal service.”
AKLEG Recaps
Chief Justice Bolger says courts will not bow to outside political interests and financial influences
Bolger said it’s critical for the judiciary to remain independent.
Sidelined legislators’ plan to rewrite rules probably violates the First Amendment. AKLEG Day 23 Recap
You know what they say: First the worst. We also got a look at the governor’s lottery proposal, the Legislature’s rebuke of Attorney General Kevin Clarkson and doubt about additional spending.
Legislators can’t stop Clarkson’s anti-union lawsuit, but they can take away his $600-per-hour attorneys
“If you can figure out a way to do it with your in-house counsel, more power to you and God bless you,” said Rep. Matt Claman.
Hundreds rally in support of state ferries. AKLEG Day 22 Recap
Ferries, alcohol laws and the budget.
Legislators use budget to rebuke administration for no-bid contract with grandson of Dunleavy donor
The Legislature is unable to put a stop to the contract because it was awarded by a state corporation that’s outside of legislative control.
‘It should be easier to protect our waterways than pollute them.’ AKLEG Day 21 Recap
A bill proposes to set up a formal process for making designations for pristine waterways, but opponents say the proposal is overly political and effectively impossible.
Bill would halt no-strings-attached legal defense of governor, attorney general
Violate the ethics act, you gotta pay the state back.
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.