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Statewide sales tax gets almost no support during first public testimony on Dunleavy’s fiscal plan
2 of 31 people tell House committee a sales tax may be worth considering, but not as proposed by governor; income tax widely preferred, along with higher corporate and oil taxes.
4 days ago5 min read
Lawmakers advance bill to add state felony charges for AI-generated child sexual abuse material
The bill seeks to expand existing state law around CSAM to also prohibit AI-generated CSAM, which is currently only prosecuted by federal law enforcement.
5 days ago4 min read
Vexed lawmakers told it will take ‘at least a year’ to assess report calling state pay uncompetitive
‘I do feel like this is basically being stuck in a bureaucratic malaise that is slowly grinding my soul into powder‚’ House member tells Dunleavy administration official presenting new plan.
Feb 24 min read
Alaska House re-passes bill to guarantee education rights for deaf children
Alaska children who are deaf and hard-of-hearing would be guaranteed a local education under a proposal passed unanimously by the Alaska House of Representatives on Monday.
Feb 22 min read
Using past rather than current enrollment to fund schools might have lessened Juneau’s budget crisis, lawmakers told
Bill by Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, seeking to improve predictability of education funding gets support from district leaders statewide during initial hearing.
Feb 24 min read
Juneau legislators hear from constituents about governor's proposed fiscal plan
The plan proposes a statewide sales tax, but those at Mendenhall Valley Public Library town hall largely prefer state income tax.
Feb 17 min read
Dunleavy’s statewide sales tax repeals local exemptions on food, utilities — but city may lose far more than it receives
Juneau’s government would regain several million dollars annually, but could lose tens of millions if voters rebel by rejecting renewal of temporary sales taxes.
Jan 317 min read
Alaska Beacon state and legislative daybook for the week of Feb. 2, 2026
Here’s what’s happening in the Alaska Capitol and elsewhere across the state.
Jan 313 min read
Homer Rep. Vance faces ethics probe over official letter pressuring newspaper
The Alaska state House’s ethics committee has launched an investigation into whether Homer Republican Rep. Sarah Vance illegally used state resources when she successfully pushed the local newspaper to remove and revise a story.
Jan 303 min read
Raising oil, corporate taxes is least-painful option for reducing Alaska deficits, UAA study concludes
University’s Institute of Social and Economic Research analyzed the side effects of various taxes and cuts being considered for a long-term state budget-balancing plan Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, reads a document entitled “Alaska’s Fiscal Options” while listening to a presentation by the Institute for Social and Economic Research of the University of Alaska Anchorage on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Centennial Hall. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon) By James Brooks Alaska B
Jan 305 min read
Bill seeks to ban state doing business with company at center of Dunleavy administration controversy
Proposed law targeting DigitalBridge might be first of its kind if enacted, senator sponsoring measure says
Jan 294 min read
Dunleavy unveils fiscal plan with sales tax, 50-50 PFD, 1% cap on state spending hikes, higher oil tax
Widespread skepticism among legislators that plan will be enacted; Alaska Municipal League worries it will put pressure on local govenments to reduce taxes and fees.
Jan 266 min read
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