Alaska Legislature rejects Pebble employee for state Board of Fisheries Published 2 hours ago
Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, center left, and Speaker of the House Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, center right, are framed by Sen. David Wilson, R-Wasilla (left) and Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla (right) during a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. (James Brooks / ADN)
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Print article JUNEAU The Alaska Legislature rejected one of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s picks for the Alaska Board of Fisheries but otherwise broadly supported the governor’s choices for his cabinet and state boards and commissions during a rare joint session of the state House and Senate.
Credit Gavel Alaska
Soldotna’s Kristie Babcock was confirmed to the Alaska Judicial Council today in a tight vote by the Alaska Legislature.
Babcock, who runs a State Farm Insurance agency in Kenai, was among a slew of appointees confirmed Tuesday from Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. She’s married to Tuckerman Babcock, the former chair of the Alaska Republican Party and Dunleavy’s former chief of staff.
While many other appointees sailed through, Babcock was nearly rejected. In large measure, my objection really comes back to the constitution, said Anchorage Rep. Matt Claman, one of 26 legislators who voted “no.”.
Members of the Alaska Judicial Council nominate candidates for judicial vacancies, who are ultimately chosen by the governor.
Alaska House approves state operating budget with amendment to cut funding for abortion services Published 1 day ago
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Print article JUNEAU The Alaska House of Representatives has approved a multibillion-dollar state operating budget that keeps the state running past July 1, but before the final vote, lawmakers added an amendment intended to defund state-provided abortion services. Democratic lawmakers objected to the amendment, saying that it harms the rights of women, is unconstitutional and will provoke lawsuits. Republican lawmakers said it was important to them to speak up for the rights of unborn Alaskans. The amendment passed 21-18. About an hour later, the House voted 23-16 on Monday to approve $4.2 billion in services funded by tax revenue and transfers from the Alaska Permanent Fund. When federal money and fee-funded programs are included, the budget exceeds $10 billion.
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The Sunday Minefield – May 9, 2021
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! The constitutional session limit is just ten days away, and there is no end in sight. Legislative skits happened this weekend. Great job to all the staff who put them on. Not only were they really funny, it was the first time things felt completely normal. I attended both nights, hence the late column today. The Anchorage mayoral runoff election concludes on Tuesday. The new mayor’s term will begin on July 1.
A friendly message and reminder to all our readers, the Landmine is made possible by myself and a team of awesome Alaskans. It takes a lot of work to provide the content we do. I am now in Juneau for the session, which means paying rent for the place I’m staying at. If you enjoy the content we provide, please consider making a one time or recurring monthly donation. You can click here to donate. We have a donation sy