Entries in Capital Focus for February, 2009
Thomas offers cemetery amendment
A bill creating a state veterans' cemetery in the Interior was heard by the Senate Finance Committee this morning, where Sen. Joe Thomas, D-Fairbanks, offered an amendment calling for progress soon, regardless of state funding.
Interior legislators boycott Alaska chamber reception
Two Interior legislators boycotted the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce reception for lawmakers last night in Juneau.
Alternative energy in arctic, subarctic Alaska
Mead Treadwell, chairman of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, will brief a Senate committee tomorrow on alternative energy issues in arctic and subarctic Alaska.
The promise of hydro
Many Alaskans turn to the old dream of a hydroelectric dam at Susitna as an answer to high energy costs, supply uncertainty and damaging emissions.
Field trips
Rep. John Coghill, R-North Pole, will join the House Energy Committee on a trip to rural Alaska this weekend.
55 days to go
With 55 days to go in the legislative session, House Speaker Rep. Mike Chenault expects lawmakers to zero in on how to grasp the federal stimulus package, on passing a state budget and on a handful of bills.
Gubik update today
An Anadarko spokesman will update the company's exploration work on the Gubik Field at 3:30 today before the Senate Resources Committee.
Budget discussion Wednesday
The state is looking at about a $1.65 billion shortfall for fiscal year 09, which ends in June, according to the latest estimates.
Meanwhile, Gov. Sarah Palin sent her FY09 Supplemental Budget to the Legislature, touting $268 million in reductions. That would bring the estimated gap to $1.36 billion.
Hearings go on the road
Wanting to hear first-hand from Bush Alaska, members of the House Energy Committee are planning to travel to far-flung areas.
No answer for high gas prices
A legislative committee tasked to look into high gas prices can't place a finger on any one reason Alaskans pay so much more at the pump.
Bush caucus grows
Six House members have joined the Bush Caucus. Rep. Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue, is chairing the group, which is focused on addressing challenges faced by rural Alaska, especially the high cost of energy and the economic well-being of Bush communities.
