Alaska House reaches agreement on state budget
The Alaska House reached an agreement intended to avoid a partial government shutdown just days ahead of the new fiscal year.
Stutes urges Dunleavy to stop moving state toward shutdown
“Alaska just got through one of the toughest years in our history, and the governor should stop using our limited time and money on a lawsuit that will drive us one step closer to a state-imposed shutdown,” said Speaker of the House Louise Stutes.
Legislative special session gets underway June 23
Another special session of the Alaska Legislature gets underway on June 23. Meanwhile, Gov. Mike Dunleavy directed his administration to begin distributing layoff notices to state workers in the event of a government shutdown.
Dunleavy calls budget passed this week ‘defective’
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy labeled as “defective” the state spending package passed by lawmakers this week and said he was prepared to call them into another special session next week if they do not act before the current special session expires.
Alaska Legislature passes budget with funding holes
The Alaska Legislature approved a state spending package following a series of dramatic votes in the Senate and impassioned speeches highlighting the tensions over the annual dividend paid to residents and the frayed nerves after five months in session.
Alaska House fails key vote affecting dividend, programs
The Alaska House passed a state budget that would result in a $525 dividend to residents this year and leave in doubt funding for a number of programs and infrastructure projects after it failed to garner sufficient support on a key vote.
Reintroduced bill calls for clear labeling of GE salmon
Legislation calling for clear labeling of genetically engineered salmon is now back before the U.S. Senate, in a continuing effort by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, to ensure that consumers are aware the product is not wild Alaska fish.
Senate will consider bill simplifying commercial vessel registration
Legislation sponsored by the House Fisheries Committee that would eliminate the requirement for a commercial fishing boat to be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission has passed the House.
HB 184 gives tribes voice in child welfare
Legislation approved by the House would empower tribal governments to manage oversight of child welfare issues in partnership with the state.
Bill eases lease renewal process for aquatic farmers
A bill that simplifies and speeds the lease renewal process for aquatic farmers has passed both houses of Legislature and is now expected to be signed into law by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
