State government

The statue of William Henry Seward in front of the Alaska State Capitol is seen covered in snow on Monday, Jan. 21, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Limited state revenue foreshadows fiscal tug-of-war in Alaska Legislature

Schools, PFDs and aging state buildings will compete for scarce dollars due to lower oil revenue.

The statue of William Henry Seward in front of the Alaska State Capitol is seen covered in snow on Monday, Jan. 21, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Emma Pokon, then acting commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, speaks on Nov. 15, 2023, at the Resource Development for Alaska annual conference in Anchorage. Pokon, whom Gov. Mike Dunleavy promoted to commissioner the following month, was chosen to lead the regional Environmental Protection Agency office serving Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and 271 tribal nations. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska environmental commissioner picked for Trump administration EPA post

Alaska’s top environmental regulator was chosen to be the new Pacific Northwestern regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on… Continue reading

Emma Pokon, then acting commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, speaks on Nov. 15, 2023, at the Resource Development for Alaska annual conference in Anchorage. Pokon, whom Gov. Mike Dunleavy promoted to commissioner the following month, was chosen to lead the regional Environmental Protection Agency office serving Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and 271 tribal nations. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
The State Office Building in Juneau is seen on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Salary board recommends automatic pay changes for Alaska governor, legislators, top officials

Switch to inflation-adjusted salaries will automatically take effect unless lawmakers reject it.

The State Office Building in Juneau is seen on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers his State of the State speech at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, with Senate President Gary Stevens, at left, and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, at right, in the background. (Klas Stolpe/Juneau Empire)

Gov. Dunleavy takes victory lap with selective portrayal of Alaska in second-to-last State of the State

Some legislators criticize “mixed messages” about cooperation, omission of problems needing work.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivers his State of the State speech at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, with Senate President Gary Stevens, at left, and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, at right, in the background. (Klas Stolpe/Juneau Empire)
State Sen. Löki Tobin (right), D-Anchorage, discusses possible impacts of a freeze on federal grants and loans during a press conference with other members of the Senate majority including Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Judge blocks Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans until Monday

Alaska lawmaker says disruption “could be catastrophic” for education, homeless, other programs.

State Sen. Löki Tobin (right), D-Anchorage, discusses possible impacts of a freeze on federal grants and loans during a press conference with other members of the Senate majority including Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, at the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Katie Kachel (left), a federal lobbyist for the City and Borough of Juneau, talks with Juneau Assembly Member Alicia Hughes-Skandijs and Mayor Beth Weldon following a joint meeting of the Assembly and Juneau’s legislative delegation on Thursday at the Assembly Chambers. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Katie Kachel (left), a federal lobbyist for the City and Borough of Juneau, talks with Juneau Assembly Member Alicia Hughes-Skandijs and Mayor Beth Weldon following a joint meeting of the Assembly and Juneau’s legislative delegation on Thursday at the Assembly Chambers. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A long line of residents pick up groceries at the Southeast Alaska Food Bank on Aug. 20, 2022. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Lawsuits for backlogged public assistance programs result in mandatory monthly progress reports by state

Alaska agrees to such reports for cash assistance after judge orders similar requirement for food stamps.

A long line of residents pick up groceries at the Southeast Alaska Food Bank on Aug. 20, 2022. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Children’s coats hang in a hallway at Hillcrest Childcare Center in Anchorage o n April 18. The second and final report of a child care task force holds recommendations for expanding subsidies that families receive, speeding the caregiver licensing and hiring process and other steps intended to address the state’s shortage of affordable child care. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)

Task force report identifies ways to make child care more available and affordable in Alaska

More eligibility for subsidies, faster hiring process, dual use of school spaces among recommendations.

Children’s coats hang in a hallway at Hillcrest Childcare Center in Anchorage o n April 18. The second and final report of a child care task force holds recommendations for expanding subsidies that families receive, speeding the caregiver licensing and hiring process and other steps intended to address the state’s shortage of affordable child care. (Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)
The city of Hoonah is seeking to incorporate as a borough with a large tract of surrounding area that includes most of Glacier Bay National Park and a few tiny communities. (Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development photo)

New Xunaa Borough gets OK in published decision, but opponents not yet done with challenges

State boundary commission reaffirms 3-2 vote; excluded communities likely to ask for reconsideration.

The city of Hoonah is seeking to incorporate as a borough with a large tract of surrounding area that includes most of Glacier Bay National Park and a few tiny communities. (Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development photo)
Pauline Plumb and Penny Saddler carry vegetables grown by fellow gardeners during the 29th Annual Juneau Community Garden Harvest Fair on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Dunleavy says he plans to reestablish state Department of Agriculture via executive order

Demoted to division status after statehood, governor says revival will improve food production policies.

Pauline Plumb and Penny Saddler carry vegetables grown by fellow gardeners during the 29th Annual Juneau Community Garden Harvest Fair on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy (left) talks with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and local leaders during an Aug. 7 visit to a Mendenhall Valley neighborhood hit by record flooding. (Photo provided by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy (left) talks with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and local leaders during an Aug. 7 visit to a Mendenhall Valley neighborhood hit by record flooding. (Photo provided by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy explains details of his proposed state budget for next year during a press conference Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Gov. Dunleavy’s budget nixes education increase, pays $3,838 PFD and incurs $1.5B deficit

Proposal sets up battle with Legislature that in past has resulted in more school money and smaller PFDs.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy explains details of his proposed state budget for next year during a press conference Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A network of pipelines, seen on Aug. 23, 2018, snakes through a portion of the Greater Prudhoe Bay Unit on Alaska’s North Slope. Oil production is expected to increase in coming years, but revenue is expected to decline, in large part because of lower oil prices, accordign to the newest forecast from the Alaska Department of Revenue. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Lower prices dim expectations for Alaska oil earnings in coming years, revenue forecast says

North Slope production is expected to start rising, but revenues to state will decline this decade.

A network of pipelines, seen on Aug. 23, 2018, snakes through a portion of the Greater Prudhoe Bay Unit on Alaska’s North Slope. Oil production is expected to increase in coming years, but revenue is expected to decline, in large part because of lower oil prices, accordign to the newest forecast from the Alaska Department of Revenue. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy talks to members of the media about the upcoming legislative session before the annual Holiday Open House at the Governor’s Residence on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Dunleavy: No surprises in upcoming budget; energy and education will again be big policy goals

Governor also optimistic about Trump, says cancelled post-election announcement wasn’t about Cabinet job.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy talks to members of the media about the upcoming legislative session before the annual Holiday Open House at the Governor’s Residence on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Division of Elections officials on Thursday display scanned ballots from the Nov. 5 election on screens for attorneys monitoring a recount of a measure to repeal ranked choice in the state. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Recount of ranked choice repeal upholds voters’ rejection — and increases margin by six votes

State elections officials declare measure failed by 743 votes out of 335,767 cast, or 49.88%-50.12%.

Alaska Division of Elections officials on Thursday display scanned ballots from the Nov. 5 election on screens for attorneys monitoring a recount of a measure to repeal ranked choice in the state. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
The 2024 Together Tree is delivered to the Governor’s Residence on Dec. 3 after being harvested near Hoonah. (U.S. Forest Service photo)

Governor’s Holiday Open House a bit thinner this year — if 17,050 cookies and 90 lbs. of fudge can be called that

Students from TMMS, JDHS, Faith Christian School and JAMM will perform during three-hour event Tuesday.

The 2024 Together Tree is delivered to the Governor’s Residence on Dec. 3 after being harvested near Hoonah. (U.S. Forest Service photo)
Signs at the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday indicate a designated entrance for legislators and their staff, and direct members of the public to a separate door. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Security screenings for people entering Alaska State Capitol to be considered by legislators Thursday

Signs already designating separate entrance for public, bids from security providers received.

Signs at the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday indicate a designated entrance for legislators and their staff, and direct members of the public to a separate door. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Three cruise ships are docked along Juneau’s waterfront on the evening on May 10, 2023, as a Princess cruise ship on the right is departing the capital city. A “banner” year for tourism in 2023, when a record 1.65 million cruise passengers visited the state, lifted workers’ average wages in the Southeast region, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Wages for Alaska workers are up, but total jobs remain lower than pre-pandemic levels

The average hourly wage in Alaska was $33.60 in 2023, putting the state in 11th place among all 50 states and the District of Columbia,… Continue reading

Three cruise ships are docked along Juneau’s waterfront on the evening on May 10, 2023, as a Princess cruise ship on the right is departing the capital city. A “banner” year for tourism in 2023, when a record 1.65 million cruise passengers visited the state, lifted workers’ average wages in the Southeast region, the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development reported. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

The Governor’s House: Welcoming Alaskans for more than 100 years

Mansion has seen many updates to please occupants, but piano bought with first funds still playable.

Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Alaska souvenir name signs are seen on Monday at a gift shop in the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Oliver was the most popular name for baby boys born in Alaska in 2023, according to the state’s annual vital statistics report. Nora was tied as the fourth-most-popular among the names for baby girls, according to the report. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska births and deaths both declined in 2023, and population total held steady, state says

Fewer Alaska babies were born in 2023 than in previous years, but there were also fewer deaths in the state than in prior years, when… Continue reading

Alaska souvenir name signs are seen on Monday at a gift shop in the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Oliver was the most popular name for baby boys born in Alaska in 2023, according to the state’s annual vital statistics report. Nora was tied as the fourth-most-popular among the names for baby girls, according to the report. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)