Southcentral

The Republican-led majority released a budget proposal this week that included $145 million more in cuts than Governor Bill Walker’s budget.

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.

The Alaska Marine Highway System made it through one step in the legislative budget process without further cuts. But those could come later.

Combined with Gov. Bill Walker’s proposed $15 million cut, the university would lose one in seven dollars in state funding.

Deputy Natural Resources Commissioner Marty Rutherford told the House Finance Committee the change reflects slow negotiations with the state’s three pipeline partners, as well as the low price of gas.

Judy Price alleges the shelter manager started blocking her attempts to rescue cats for Clear Creek Cat Rescue after she commented on how the city-run facility could be improved. Price believes her constitutional rights are being violated.