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This license plate was designed by Anita Laulainen and was the winning design in the 2017 Alaska Artistic License competition. A surcharge could be attached to plates like this one if a bill heard by the Senate Education Committee Thursday becomes law. The additional charge could be used to provide funding for the Alaska State Council on the Arts. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska State Council on the Arts)

License plates could be a roadway to revenue

Alaska State Council on the Arts would set the surcharge.

This license plate was designed by Anita Laulainen and was the winning design in the 2017 Alaska Artistic License competition. A surcharge could be attached to plates like this one if a bill heard by the Senate Education Committee Thursday becomes law. The additional charge could be used to provide funding for the Alaska State Council on the Arts. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska State Council on the Arts)

Capitol Live: Senate Finance looks at supplemental budget

Live updates from the Capitol.

State of the stats: A closer look at the numbers from the governor’s address

A closer look at the numbers.

Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire Substance misuse costs the state of Alaska $3.45 billion every year, according to a report released recently by the McDowell Group.

“Every hour of every day:” the cost of substance misuse in Alaska

Alaskans are paying in money and lives.

Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire Substance misuse costs the state of Alaska $3.45 billion every year, according to a report released recently by the McDowell Group.

Gov releases supplemental budget, adds back Medicaid cuts

It’s to the Legislature now.

Capitol Live: Lots of opportunity for tourism in Southeast, cruise line exec says

Live updates from the capitol.

Alaska Reads Act gets a closer look

Intervention is key.

From left, Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka and Sen. Natasha Von Imhof, R-Anchorage, speak at the Southeast Conference mid-session summit at Elizabeth Peratovich Hall on Tuesday. (Peter Segall |Juneau Empire)

Responsible budget doesn’t include full PFD, Alaska senators say

There’s only so much money.

From left, Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka and Sen. Natasha Von Imhof, R-Anchorage, speak at the Southeast Conference mid-session summit at Elizabeth Peratovich Hall on Tuesday. (Peter Segall |Juneau Empire)
Meilani Schijvens, owner and director of Rain Coast data and former executive director of Southeast Conference, gives a presentation on Southeast Alaska By the Numbers at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Tuesday. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Juneau could clear 1.5 million cruise ship tourists by 2021

Projections show more tourists coming next year.

Meilani Schijvens, owner and director of Rain Coast data and former executive director of Southeast Conference, gives a presentation on Southeast Alaska By the Numbers at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Tuesday. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Gov’s chief of staff says getting ferries back in service is a top priority

Plans for new Juneau ferry terminal continue too

Capitol Live: Senate leadership at Southeast Conference

Summary: Bipartisanship and civil discourse has been one of the distinguishing features of this senate, Giessel says. But none of the senators have set aside… Continue reading

Juneau’s legislators want to shape up the ships

Ferries and funding formula fill Native Issues Forum.

Capitol Live: Native Issues Forum

Live updates from the Alaska Capitol.

Lawmakers honor first African American woman elected to the Alaska House

The late Senator was the “conscience of the Legislature.”

Governor begins town hall series on Monday

PFD change needs a vote, governor said.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Dunleavy announces two town hall meetings in Southeast Alaska

They’re coming up fast.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Who will shape ferries’ future?

Deadline is tomorrow.

6 days and counting: Engine woes strands Anchorage-bound ferry passengers in Juneau

Spirits, and frustration, are high.

Axed Ocean Ranger funds could improve sewage plants

The money from the program could go elsewhere under this new proposal.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speak at the Alaska Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, Wednesday. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Alaska lawmakers vow this year will be different than last year’s fiasco

Legislative leaders from all parties say they want to work together and finish on time.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speak at the Alaska Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, Wednesday. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)