New legislative district boundaries are drawn every ten years based on the most recent census data. In 2021 the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted a final redistricting plan for Alaska, which delineates the districts legislators will represent. The politics of redistricting are rife with power grabs, and the maps are almost always litigated. The balance of power in the Legislature is …
A DEC Budget Trap
So far, only three states in the United States have assumed primacy for dredge and fill permitting in wetlands. One of those states – Florida – assumed permit primacy in the waning days of the Trump administration. Like Governor Sean Parnell before him, Governor Dunleavy wants Alaska to pay for wetland permitting that is now being paid for by the …
The Expel Eastman Edition
The Alaska Center’s Legislative Blog: Oath Keeper David Eastman, is not fit to be a representative in this Democracy.
State of State Predictions
The Governor’s State of The State Address is next week (7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25). It is sure to contain grievances about the Federal Government, excitement about mineral resource development projects in Alaska, and a dash of “Election Integrity” talk. It will maybe/probably contain a few lines about renewable energy, fisheries, Alaska’s strategic economic and military location, and “greatest …
A Look to What is Looming: Legislative Update
What looms ahead for our legislative session Our team shares hot takes from a cold place around policy, process, shenanigans, and how Alaskans can build a sustainable future, TOGETHER.
STATEMENT: A day of reflection.
During this season of gratitude and reflection, we would like to express our appreciation for the strong communities and people that we work with each day to build a brighter future. We are thankful for the stewardship and continued vibrant leadership of Alaska Native peoples. At The Alaska Center, we are honored to live and work on Indigenous lands. 2021 …
STATEMENT: A Strong Democracy Requires Safety and Civility
The Alaska Center stands in solidarity with those calling for respect and safety to return to our chambers of democracy. We urge Mayor Bronson and other government leaders to call for civil behavior regardless of political beliefs, and to condemn those that will not follow the rules of order.
Leg With Louie: The Awesome Power of the Dividend
Without an income tax and/or a change in oil taxes we cannot have an adequately funded state government and a full statutory PFD at the same time, at least I think we cannot. Please correct me if I am wrong. My kids heard about 3K Dividends and went spinning around the yard like Sufis with visions of new phones, video …
Leg With Louie: Alaska legislature and 415 parts per million
The Earth’s atmosphere is reported, as of May 12, 2019, to contain 415 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, primarily from human activities. 415 ppm is a number unknown to humans. The news that humanity is killing itself off by way of petroleum use is not new news; hitting 415 ppm is an ominous benchmark and it …
Leg With Louie: A process you never knew you had, and you are about to lose
In 2006 the very unpopular administration of Governor Frank Murkowski approved a regulation allowing the dumping of water pollution into salmon spawning and rearing areas. This regulation was an extreme change to the rules protecting our salmon. Before it went into effect statewide, a review and certification by the Environmental Protection Agency were required. This regulation was so incredibly offensive to everyone besides …