Legislative Update: Bipartisan coalition needed to protect coastal communities
Implementing meaningful ferry system reform is one of the top priorities for this legislative session, writes Rep. Louise Stutes.
Legislative Update: Apply now for seafood relief program, and look to CARES relief coming
There is newly available federal funding for fishermen negatively impacted by retaliatory tariffs the past few years. STRP, previously in place for lobstermen, was expanded on Sept. 14 to include Dungeness, king, snow and Tanner crab, as well as geoducks, herring, pacific cod, pollock, black cod, salmon, squid and tuna.
Legislature reconvenes on Monday, May 18
Rep. Louise Stutes: A lawsuit was filed against the state on Wednesday seeking an injunction on the CARES funding approved by the LB&A committee. The lawsuit, filed by a Juneau resident, asserts that the appropriations are invalid as they were not voted on by the full Legislature. A judge has been assigned to the case, but no action has been taken thus far.
Legislative Update: LB&A approves $125 M in federal relief funding
The Alaska Legislature has recently approved packages of COVID-19 relief funding and unemployment insurance benefits.
COVID-19, oil prices put Alaska in uncharted waters
These truly are unprecedented times. The impacts of COVID-19 on Alaska’s health and economy are far reaching and uncertainty seems to be the only constant. Further, we find ourselves in uncharted territory as the price of oil hovers around $10 per barrel.
Legislative Update: $18.7M back in ferry budget process
Residents are invited to testify on the issue of ferry service at the Cordova Legislative Information Office from 7-8 p.m this evening.
Legislative Update: Alaska Municipal League offers solid support for AMHS
Increasing the operating budget of the Alaska Marine Highway System is a top priority, writes Rep. Louise Stutes.
Legislative Update: Dunleavy budget flat funds state services
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has made no major cuts to the state budget for the coming fiscal year. This is clear evidence that public outcry against Dunleavy's policies has had an effect, writes Rep. Louise Stutes.
Legislative Update: Ferry service is not simply a ‘convenience’
The state administration has utterly failed to grasp the significance of ferry service to rural Alaskans, writes Rep. Louise Stutes.
That $5M veto was funding of your ferry service
"Along with all of you, I was extremely disappointed that Governor Dunleavy chose to veto the additional $5 million I had secured for the Alaska Marine Highway System," writes Rep. Louise Stutes.
