Alaska Legislature

Alaska Senate leaders suggest new revenue measures to address looming budget deficit

Analysts say that without new revenue, the state could face a $500 million deficit this year.

Iris Samuels, Sean Maguire February 12, 2025

Alaska Senate OKs 18-year-old alcohol servers and 16-year-old restaurant workers

The bill is almost identical to House Bill 189, which the Legislature passed last year but Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed.

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon February 11, 2025

Bill would establish Alaska alternative to federal flood insurance program

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that would create a new state insurance program to address damages from floods, including glacial outburst floods that are becoming more common as the far north climate warms.

Yereth Rosen, Alaska Beacon February 11, 2025
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Alaska college scholarship program sees increased participation after major reforms

Supporters say the Alaska Performance Scholarship has been effective in keeping high school graduates studying in Alaska.

Sean Maguire February 11, 2025

Alaska Senate rejects automatic pay increases for the state’s top political leaders

Senate members nixed tying their own compensation to the consumer price index.

Iris Samuels February 8, 2025

Alaska Legislature adopts resolution asking Trump to keep Denali as name of North America’s tallest peak

The Alaska Senate adopted the resolution unanimously.

Iris Samuels February 7, 2025

Gov. Dunleavy proposes new limits on Alaskans’ ability to record conversations

SB 85 would require that “all parties to the communication” consent before being recorded.

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon February 6, 2025

Alaska’s test scores fuel political debate on future of schools

Education officials point to broader issues of budget cuts, staff shortages, and COVID-19 pandemic impacts on student learning.

Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon February 6, 2025

Gov. Dunleavy’s new Alaska education working group starts closed-door talks on consensus deal

A small group of legislators and a member of the governor’s office are meeting behind closed doors to try to resolve the education debate.

Sean Maguire February 5, 2025

Alaska Legislature faces a $200M-plus deficit as it weighs school funding against the PFD

Legislators are facing a familiar choice: Cut the Permanent Fund dividend or abandon a school funding boost.

Sean Maguire February 3, 2025
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