Eric Stone
@eriwinsto
Alaska Public Media state government reporter based in Juneau. Email: estone@alaskapublic.org
Dunleavy says he'll veto the bill if the House passes it -- and says he's calling a third special session to begin July 27. #akleg
They return, and after a couple of quick comments, vote it through 11-8. Majority members Merrick (R) and Olson (D) join all of the Republican minority in voting no. The Senate adjourns the special session sine die. #akleg
And they’re at ease — a “longer at ease,” Senate President Gary Stevens tells us, to allow majority members to meet in caucus ahead of the vote. That followed a discussion on the floor between senators and AGDC Commercial Director Matt Kissinger, who was seated in the gallery. #akleg
To be more precise on this: Dunleavy has opposed the pass-through tax generally. It's unclear what he thinks of this version, but this is what he said late last month. #akleg www.adn.com/opinions/202... bsky.app/profile/did:...
Here are the relevant changes. Glenfarne has opposed the tax change vociferously. I'm curious what they make of this version essentially exempting them from it. The pass-through tax is seen as necessary for the bill to pass the Senate. Gov. Mike Dunleavy opposes it. #akleg
Saw my first ad for Dan J. Sullivan, the retired Petersburg teacher, last night. Looks like it was placed by an independent expenditure group called "Right for Alaska" funded to the tune of $100,000 by a Massachusetts man, William Harris Sr., who has donated to a variety of Democratic causes.
Alaska state Sen. Matt Claman, an Anchorage Democrat, is ending his gubernatorial campaign. He lagged in fundraising and polls. His withdrawal takes the field of gubernatorial candidates to 17. Today at 5 p.m. is the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the August 18 primary. #akleg
It looks like the photos didn’t quite come through… let’s try that again.
On Sunday, I took a commercial flight to Kipnuk, the Western Alaska village hit hardest by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. What I saw and heard there was simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring. (Photos by me, Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy is calling a special legislative session starting Aug. 2. Two subjects on the call: "The creation of a Department of Agriculture" and "Education reform." #akleg
The Alaska DMV would like you to know that those texts you’ve been getting demanding payment are, as you may have suspected, a scam.
Some initial responses from Murkowski, Sullivan, Begich and Dunleavy last night. #akleg
As Trump floats regime change in Iran, Murkowski follows up with a statement emphasizing that only Congress has the power to authorize war. #akleg
In his veto message, Dunleavy says the bill raises constitutional concerns. Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, speaking to me just now, says the bill was suggested by and written by legislative attorneys, who never flagged any constitutional issues. (That's a big part of their job.) #akleg
This starts in 45 minutes at Devil’s Club Brewing here in Juneau — hope to see you there! And come with questions! #akleg
Any other 2010s pop-punk fans catch today’s #akleg House invocation? Let us pray in the name of Hayley Williams:
Does this count? A video of the Tongass Provider (maybe Southeast Provider) barge on its way to resupply Southeast #Alaska.
Forever grateful for Eaglecrest, especially this Miracle March! Even off the groomers it was beautiful today.
A good reality check by Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire. #akleg It’s remarkable the first budget CS from the largely Democratic House majority has a full $3,800 PFD that both sides say is unrealistic, and that’s what the public was given time to comment on. www.juneauempire.com/news/the-ala...
One of the coolest parts of my job is getting to hang around the floor of the Alaska House and Senate and watch the legislative process play out in real time. Here are a few of my favorite shots from today's House floor debate on the education bill. #akleg
Juneau removed fluoride from its water decades ago, creating a natural experiment. On average, kids got one more cavity per year. And taxpayers are on the hook for a lot of those cavities. Good work from Clarise Larson at @ktoopublicmedia.bsky.social www.ktoo.org/2025/01/17/f...