Governor Mike Dunleavy has vetoed $800 million in capital projects funding from the state budget, citing concerns about the long-term fiscal health of the state. The vetoed funding includes projects such as school construction, road repairs, and broadband internet expansion.
Dunleavy said that the state can’t afford to spend money it doesn’t have, and that the vetoed projects can be funded in the future when the state’s financial situation is better. However, critics of the veto say that it will harm the state’s economy and infrastructure.
Murkowski Introduces Bill to Permanently Fund Road Maintenance
Senator Lisa Murkowski has introduced a bill that would permanently fund road maintenance in Alaska. The bill would create a dedicated source of funding for road maintenance, which is currently funded through annual appropriations from the state legislature.
Murkowski said that the bill is necessary to ensure that Alaska’s roads are safe and reliable. She said that the state’s current system of funding road maintenance is “unpredictable and inadequate.”
Begich Calls for Special Session to Address Crime
Representative Mary Peltola has called for a special session of the legislature to address the state’s crime crisis. Peltola said that crime is on the rise in Alaska, and that the state needs to take action to address the problem.
Peltola said that the special session should focus on issues such as bail reform, sentencing laws, and funding for law enforcement. She said that the state needs to do more to protect its citizens from crime.
Dunleavy Administration Files Lawsuit Against EPA Over Pebble Mine
The Dunleavy administration has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the Pebble Mine project. The lawsuit alleges that the EPA overstepped its authority when it vetoed a permit for the project.
The Pebble Mine project is a proposed copper mine in Southwest Alaska. The mine has been controversial for years, with environmental groups arguing that it would harm the Bristol Bay salmon fishery.
The Dunleavy administration argues that the Pebble Mine project is a major economic opportunity for Alaska. The administration says that the project would create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in revenue for the state.