Dragged to the finish line, Legislature approves budget, COVID-19 measures. AKLEG End-of-session recap
Here’s what happened on the Legislature’s “final” day.
the budget
Alaska is in deep trouble
The state’s budget picture is looking worse and worse every day.
Dunleavy issues disaster declaration for coronavirus, says economy is ‘second to health concerns’
The governor said the chief concern is preparing for the virus, saying economic impacts would come second.
Legislature to make plans for coronavirus as state halts travel, spending amid oil crash
The Legislature is already ahead of schedule on the budget.
House passes operating budget ahead of schedule, but without a PFD. AKLEG Day 43 Recap
Here’s how the remarkably speedy process came together.
Senate passes motor fuel tax, most significant new revenue of session. AKLEG Day 42 recap
The motor fuel tax is one of the only significant pieces of new revenue on the table this year, the state’s response to the coronavirus, the dividend and Dunleavy weighs in on the recall.
House panel takes first step to restoring ‘basic, minimal’ year-round ferry service
The money would restore 12-months of “basic, minimal service.”
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.