State Legislature

Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, introduces his bill, House Bill 105, to the House Fisheries Committee on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. The bill relates to claims against protection and indemnity insurance policies of vessel owners. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Are you a fisherman who’s been hurt on the job? This bill could help.

By fishermen, for fishermen.

 

Dr. Suzanne Allen, from Boise, Idaho, gives an overview of the WWAMI School of Medical Education program to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Monday, March 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Tuition assistance for medical students on the chopping block

Alaska would be the only state in the country to not provide state assistance for medical education.

 

This graph shows the fare box recovery rate for the Alaska Marine Highway System. (Courtesy)

Beyond the budget: What are the options to extend ferry service past October?

After hearing hundreds of testimonies, lawmakers say keeping basic service a top priority.

 

Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, right, reacts as Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins, D-Sitka, mentions a bill to move legislative meetings to Anchorage as they speak at the Native Issues Forum with Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, left, and Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Kiehl: ‘We’re pulling so hard to keep from going backwards’ on senior housing shortage

‘We’re finding ourselves a little short on time and resources to try and move forward.’

Rep. Dan Ortiz, I-Ketchikan, right, reacts as Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins, D-Sitka, mentions a bill to move legislative meetings to Anchorage as they speak at the Native Issues Forum with Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, left, and Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
People pack the room to give public testimony on the Alaska Marine Highway System in the House Transportation and Public Facilities committee on March, 12, 2019 in Juneau, Alaska. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

Frustrations run high as many testify in support of ferry system

Many did not get a chance to speak.

People pack the room to give public testimony on the Alaska Marine Highway System in the House Transportation and Public Facilities committee on March, 12, 2019 in Juneau, Alaska. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

Alaskans weigh-in on ‘super-sized’ PFD

Most would prefer to fund education, other services

Robb Arnold, chief purser on the Alaska Marine Highway’s Malaspina ferry, talks about the proposed cuts to the ferry system on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Unions prep to push back against proposed ferry cuts

Hundreds of Marine Highway jobs could be cut.

Robb Arnold, chief purser on the Alaska Marine Highway’s Malaspina ferry, talks about the proposed cuts to the ferry system on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Budget bill language would give unprecedented power to governor’s office

Under bill, OMB Director Arduin could override Legislature’s appropriating power.

Juneau Empire reporters Kevin Baird, left, and Mollie Barnes interview Gov. Mike Dunleavy at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Empire Exclusive: Read our full conversation with Gov. Mike Dunleavy on the budget

Gov. says businesses will come back to Alaska if budget is balanced.

Juneau Empire reporters Kevin Baird, left, and Mollie Barnes interview Gov. Mike Dunleavy at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Jeremy Woodrow, interim executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, speaks to the House Fisheries Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Chinese tariffs challenge Alaska seafood, new markets emerge

Alaska pollock required in school lunches

Jeremy Woodrow, interim executive director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, speaks to the House Fisheries Committee at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Empire file photo Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, will co-chair the House Education Committee.

House finally organized: Hannan, Story get assignments

Committees can start working on legislation

Juneau Empire file photo Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, will co-chair the House Education Committee.
In this Feb. 4, 2019 file photo, former Speaker nominee Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Dillingham, right, shares a laugh with Speaker nominee Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy, as Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Neal Foster, Nome, presides over the House. Edgmon was elected Speaker of the House on Thursday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

A whirlwhind week at the state capitol

Looking back on the week in the Alaska Legislature.

In this Feb. 4, 2019 file photo, former Speaker nominee Rep. Bryce Edgmon, Dillingham, right, shares a laugh with Speaker nominee Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy, as Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Neal Foster, Nome, presides over the House. Edgmon was elected Speaker of the House on Thursday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy, speaks during a press conference with Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, left, and Rep. Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, R-Wasilla,at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Reps talking, but House still unsettled

The House is a week away from a dubious record.

Rep. David Talerico, R-Healy, speaks during a press conference with Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, left, and Rep. Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, R-Wasilla,at the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
[flipp]