Anchorage Democratic Sen. Johnny Ellis sponsored the bill. This made it unusual, since few bills sponsored by members of the minority party ever come up for votes.
Andrew Kitchenman
State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO
State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.
Senate considers requiring prescription database checks to combat opioid abuse
The sponsors want to make sure patients aren’t going from doctor to doctor seeking pills.
House committee may quintuple Gov. Walker’s state budget cuts
The House Finance Committee is considering a budget bill that would cut state government spending $418 million more than the $100 million in cuts Gov. Bill Walker proposed.
Gruenberg widow continues fight for husband’s legislative records
Lawyer Doug Gardner wrote in a memo that Gruenberg’s papers were protected by legislative immunity. Gardner directs the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency’s Legal Services office.
Public pushes back against House’s proposed budget cuts
The Republican-led majority released a budget proposal this week that included $145 million more in cuts than Governor Bill Walker’s budget.
Energy industry leaders reject oil and gas tax hikes
Alaska Oil and Gas Association President Kara Moriarty told the House Resources Committee that companies can’t afford higher costs when oil prices are low.