Jasz Garrett

2 weeks ago | juneauempire.com | Mark Sabbatini |Jasz Garrett

This is a developing story. Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday signed a state budget for the coming year that cuts $200 of a $700 increase in per-student school funding approved by the Alaska Legislature, part of $122 million in total cuts. Dunleavy cited lower-than-expected oil prices for the line-item vetoes — the same factor cited by legislators when they passed a budget with a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend that is the lowest in state history when adjusted for inflation.

2 months ago | juneauempire.com | Mark Sabbatini |Jasz Garrett

Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed a bill increasing Alaska’s $5,960 Base Student Allocation by $1,000 Thursday, setting the stage for an expected failure of an override vote by the Legislature next Tuesday and a renewed battle about education during the final month of the session. Dunleavy said he vetoed House Bill 69 because it contains no policy changes during a press conference Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol.

Mar 21, 2025 | juneauempire.com | Jasz Garrett |Mark Sabbatini

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) responded to accusations he’s avoiding constituents by declaring he engaged in “the ultimate town hall” Thursday before the Alaska Legislature, answering a broad range of questions from lawmakers at the Alaska State Capitol. Dozens of protesters lined the hall leading to the House chamber before the speech, many accusing Sullivan of the elusiveness occurring among GOP lawmakers nationwide to avoid combative town halls.

Mar 20, 2025 | peninsulaclarion.com | Jasz Garrett |Mark Sabbatini

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said the Trump administration needs to realize federal employees are operating programs that “truly are saving lives” and there needs to be support for agencies “that Americans are relying on for livelihoods and for safety.” “Weather forecasters save lives in our state,” Murkowski said during her annual speech to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday.

Mar 19, 2025 | juneauempire.com | Jasz Garrett |Mark Sabbatini

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said the Trump administration needs to realize federal employees are operating programs that “truly are saving lives” and there needs to be support for agencies “that Americans are relying on for livelihoods and for safety.” “Weather forecasters save lives in our state,” Murkowski said during her annual speech to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Tuesday.