Alaska Legislature

Julia Bevins, left, of Anchorage and Steve Jones of San Francisco wear polar bear costumes during a climate action rally on the Park Strip in Anchorage during President Obama's 2015 visit to the city. Alaska appears to be changing course on climate change, according to the Speaker of the House and one of the state's most prominent conservation scientists.

House speaker, noted conservationist agree: Alaska ‘flip flops’ on climate change

Rick Steiner and Mike Chenault agree on something.In separate announcements this week, both figures said an action this week by Alaska’s new attorney general represents… Continue reading

Julia Bevins, left, of Anchorage and Steve Jones of San Francisco wear polar bear costumes during a climate action rally on the Park Strip in Anchorage during President Obama's 2015 visit to the city. Alaska appears to be changing course on climate change, according to the Speaker of the House and one of the state's most prominent conservation scientists.
Poll worker Linda Hollinbeck smiles as she gives a "I Voted" sticker to Kevin Poole on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library during Alaska's statewide primary. Tuesday was the first time an election was held at the library, which opened in October.

Tuesday’s election results promise at least seven new faces in Legislature

It took 18 1/2 hours to get the last word, but when it arrived, it wasn’t that different from the first word.On the North Slope,… Continue reading

Poll worker Linda Hollinbeck smiles as she gives a "I Voted" sticker to Kevin Poole on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library during Alaska's statewide primary. Tuesday was the first time an election was held at the library, which opened in October.
An Auke Bay poll worker helps a voter determine which ballot she wants to use during Tuesday's Aug. 16, 2016 primary election.

Analysis: Election results present mixed messages

On Tuesday night, Alaska political reporter Casey Reynolds gathered a handful of the state’s political experts for a live blog on the results of the… Continue reading

An Auke Bay poll worker helps a voter determine which ballot she wants to use during Tuesday's Aug. 16, 2016 primary election.

Statewide races: Full 2016 primary election results

Following are the results of Tuesday’s statewide primary elections. The primary election selects one candidate from each party for November’s general election. Independents do not… Continue reading

Statewide races: Full 2016 primary election results

Following are the results of Tuesday’s statewide primary elections, as of 10 p.m. The primary election selects one candidate from each party for November’s general… Continue reading

Poll worker Linda Hollinbeck smiles as she gives a "I Voted" sticker to Kevin Poole on Tuesday at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library during Alaska's statewide primary. Tuesday was the first time an election was held at the library, which opened in October.

Polls bare: Few turn out for primary in Juneau

Juneau voters might disagree about politics, but on Tuesday, they seemed to agree about one thing: Turnout at this year’s statewide primary stunk.By 10 p.m.,… Continue reading

Poll worker Linda Hollinbeck smiles as she gives a "I Voted" sticker to Kevin Poole on Tuesday at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library during Alaska's statewide primary. Tuesday was the first time an election was held at the library, which opened in October.
This infographic shows how much money each candidate in Tuesday's primary election has raised.

Infographic: A visual guide to the money behind Tuesday’s primary election

Does money matter?When voters go to the polls on Tuesday, they'll choose which statehouse candidates will advance to November's general election. Some of those candidates… Continue reading

This infographic shows how much money each candidate in Tuesday's primary election has raised.

Walker signs bill by Muñoz to help Point Bridget park

Gov. Bill Walker has signed into law a piece of legislation pushed by Rep. Cathy Muñoz, R-Juneau, to ease land swaps between the state and… Continue reading

Walker signs two bills into law

Gov. Bill Walker has signed into law bills intended to help foster youths and ease adoption in Alaska.Among other elements, House Bill 200 implements portions… Continue reading

Children pick up candy scattered by parade participants on July 4, 2016 in Douglas. According to campaign finance reports, the biggest single expense incurred by Justin Parish in his House District 34 race against Cathy Munoz was more than $520 in candy and snacks for the parade. Among Munoz's contributors - two Juneau dentists and a statewide political action committee formed by dentists.

Candy on the left, dentists on the right in House District 34 race

The tooth is out there.According to new campaign finance disclosure reports, Rep. Cathy Muñoz is enjoying the support of some of Juneau’s dentists, while her… Continue reading

Children pick up candy scattered by parade participants on July 4, 2016 in Douglas. According to campaign finance reports, the biggest single expense incurred by Justin Parish in his House District 34 race against Cathy Munoz was more than $520 in candy and snacks for the parade. Among Munoz's contributors - two Juneau dentists and a statewide political action committee formed by dentists.
Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole

Legislator files ethics complaint against governor

Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole, has filed an ethics complaint against Gov. Bill Walker for a statement included in a press release issued from Walker’s… Continue reading

Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole
Gov. Bill Walker points to a chart during a Thursday press conference that uses a crashing jet to show possible scenarios for Alaska economy if the Legislature fails to act during its special session.

Senate rejects call for veto override; Legislature poised to adjourn with no action

The Alaska Legislature is poised to adjourn its fifth special session without taking any action to address the 49th state’s multibillion-dollar deficit.On Thursday, Alaska Senate… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker points to a chart during a Thursday press conference that uses a crashing jet to show possible scenarios for Alaska economy if the Legislature fails to act during its special session.

House will try to restore PFD, increase deficit

The Alaska House of Representatives has asked the state Senate to join it for a joint session at noon Friday for the purpose of overriding… Continue reading

Alaska Legislature turns down free building

Alaska Legislature turns down free building

There’s a saying that you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.Evidently, that doesn’t apply to free buildings.On Tuesday morning, the Legislative Council voted… Continue reading

Alaska Legislature turns down free building
The Senate Finance Committee, of which Sen. Anna MacKinnon, R-Anchorage, pictured, serves as co-chairwoman, will meet in Anchorage on Monday when lawmakers resume work.

Senate finance plans to stay in Anchorage as lawmakers begin work today

The 29th Alaska Legislature will start its fifth special session on Monday, bringing lawmakers from across the state back to Juneau. Don’t expect all of… Continue reading

The Senate Finance Committee, of which Sen. Anna MacKinnon, R-Anchorage, pictured, serves as co-chairwoman, will meet in Anchorage on Monday when lawmakers resume work.

Walker signs alcohol, marijuana reform bill

Underage kids who drink alcohol will face a violation, not a full-fledged crime, under a new bill signed into law in a ceremony at the… Continue reading

Senate President Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, left, speaks to the media after the Senate gaveled out of the special session in the Terry Miller Legislative Building on Sunday. Gov. Bill Walker says he'll call lawmakers back for a fifth special session starting July 11.

After Legislature quits with work undone, Governor calls them back

It’s over, but not done.At 11:46 a.m. Sunday, the Alaska Senate adjourned the fourth special session of the 29th Alaska Legislature.Forty minutes later, Gov. Bill… Continue reading

Senate President Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, left, speaks to the media after the Senate gaveled out of the special session in the Terry Miller Legislative Building on Sunday. Gov. Bill Walker says he'll call lawmakers back for a fifth special session starting July 11.
The Alaska House of Representatives poses for a group photo on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in the Terry Miller Building after adjourning from the fourth special session of the 29th Alaska Legislature.

House quits: Representatives gavel special session to an end

After 148 days in Juneau, the Alaska House of Representatives has ended its work, but lawmakers are expected to soon be back on the job… Continue reading

The Alaska House of Representatives poses for a group photo on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in the Terry Miller Building after adjourning from the fourth special session of the 29th Alaska Legislature.
Gov. Bill Walker speaks during a press conference in Juneau on Wednesday. Gov. Walker congratulated the Senate on passing SB 128, the Permanent Fund spending bill, and asked the House to do the same.

Governor urges action on Permanent Fund bill

Gov. Bill Walker urged lawmakers Wednesday to continue work on the flagship legislation of his 13-point plan to balance Alaska’s multibillion-dollar deficit, tempering his words… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker speaks during a press conference in Juneau on Wednesday. Gov. Walker congratulated the Senate on passing SB 128, the Permanent Fund spending bill, and asked the House to do the same.

Two vie for state’s top schools job

Two men from rural Alaska are in the running to become Alaska’s next commissioner of education, but regardless of who wins the role, he’s in… Continue reading