AKJ3

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 →

By Dave Donaldson

A bill limiting immigrant’s rights to a drivers’ license was approved by the House State Affairs Committee yesterday.  But it is not as harsh as it was when introduced. Continue reading →

By Libby Casey

Alaska’s Senators reacted with disappointment at word that the Senate’s top appropriator is banning earmarks for two years.  Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

The House today approved a program that helps low-income senior citizens with a small monthly benefit to encourage them to stay in the state.    Continue reading →

By Dave Donaldson

Anchorage Republican Bob Lynn opened hearings today to rekindle his interest in limiting immigrants’  rights to an Alaska drivers’ license.   His attempts to usher through a similar, but more complex, bill last year failed twice on the House floor. Continue reading →

By Libby Casey

The President of the country’s largest group representing Alaska Natives and American Indians says they have fresh momentum, and are at the dawn of a new era.  Continue reading →