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Rep. Gary Knopp (R-Kenai/Soldotna), House Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham) and Vice-Chair of the House Finance Committee Janice Johnston (R-Anchorage) listen to public testimony at a local House Finance Committee meeting at the Soldotna Sports Complex on Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

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Peninsula residents pack House Finance meeting

“We are now to the bone … More cuts will cut to the marrow and we’re going to…

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)

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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.’

Commissioner Designee Bruce Tangeman presents the state’s revenue forecast to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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New state revenue forecast slightly more positive for 2020

Oil forecast goes from $63 to $69 per barrel.

Myrna Gardner, tribal partnership specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, said Alaska’s low census response rate is costing the state millions every year during a presentation at Southeast Housing Summit, Thursday, March 14, 2019. *Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

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Low census response loses Alaska billions of dollars

Money left on the table.

Sen. Natasha Von Imhof, R-Anchorage, pictured here on Feb. 18, 2019, asks why adult preventative care was targeted for elimination, saying she has heard from providers that this service often will bring people into a clinic where they can be asked if they have other medical needs. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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State proposes $225 million reduction in Medicaid spending

Effort is part of broader cost-saving measure by Dunleavy administration.

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

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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.

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview with the Juneau Empire at the Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Empire Exclusive: Sen. Sullivan talks Roadless Rule, Medicare, Green New Deal

Read our full conversation with U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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Stevens hopes gov can negotiate with Legislature on budget

With the Alaska Legislature now in session more than 45 days, the big issue remains the Procrustean budget…

Gov. Mike Dunleavy. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire File)

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Dunleavy forums to begin in Kenai

‘These presentations will outline our vision for Alaska’

Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Jan. 30. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire) Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, introduces Senate Bill 22 to the Senate Resources Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. The bill would allow organizations to obtain permits and enhance the habitat of shellfish in hopes of improving the seafood industry. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire)

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Peninsula educators support early funding for education

Last week, Sen. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, introduced a constitutional amendment guaranteeing early funding for state K-12 public education.…

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)

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Frustrations run high as many testify in support of ferry system

Many did not get a chance to speak.

File photo

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Alaska approves regulations for marijuana consumption in retail shops

But don’t expect an influx in smoking cafes.

An aerial shows the footprint of the test well drilled in the mid-1980s on land owned by the Kaktovik Native village corporation within the 1002 area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The well is 14 miles east of Kaktovik and the melting the Beaufort Sea is at the top of the picture. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

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Senate passes ANWR resolution urging lease sales

It will go to the House next.