Monthly Archives: February 2011

By Libby Casey

Alaska takes some lumps in the budget proposed by President Obama on Monday. But it could’ve been worse.  Continue reading →

By Libby Casey
The Federal Subsistence Board may get two new rural public members.  Getting more rural members has long been requested by Alaska Native subsistence users, who say their viewpoint needs to be better represented.  Continue reading →

By Libby Casey

F-B-I files of former Senator Ted Stevens don’t shed light into the federal corruption investigation of him, but they do open a window into history.  The F-B-I released thousands of pages about Stevens on Friday, 6 months after his death.  Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

The Legislature’s auditor has released her findings and recommendations for the future of the state’s Coastal Management Program.   The program is designed to involve coastal residents in any development in their areas – giving them input in government decisions at both the state and federal levels. Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

Democrats are urging the Parnell administration to take a more positive approach – and to make better use of the incentives the state currently offers oil companies. Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

Legislators are defending support of a deadline that – if not met – could lead to the closing of the state-licensed gas line from the North Slope to North American markets.   Continue reading →

By Libby Casey

Senator Mark Begich has paired up with an unlikely ally:  conservative Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn.  The Republican is totally opposed to earmarks and other spending projects that Alaska thrives on, and has personally blocked legislation because it included specially allocated funding bound for Alaska.

But the two have found common cause in trying to kill what are called “orphaned earmarks,” earmarks that were given out but never actually spent. Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

Legislators yesterday got their first look at a bill that could lead to closing the state’s involvement in the state-licensed AGIA gas pipeline project from the North Slope to North American markets.   Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

Governor Parnell is looking at ways to bypass implementation of the federal health care act.  He says he has requested advice from the Attorney General on what steps he can take in response to a Florida federal court’s decision earlier this week that found the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. Continue reading →

By Libby Caseyhalf

Senator John McCain is trying to kill the federal program that subsidizes flights in rural Alaska.  The Arizona Republican is floating an amendment to eliminate the Essential Air Service program.  Continue reading →