Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy recently announced budget vetoes amounting to $232 million, with significant cuts to discretionary district projects. The budget, signed into law on Friday, includes a $6.3 billion UGF budget for FY25, representing a surplus of nearly $150 million. Notable vetoes include $11.9 million intended for federal compliance and $5.2 million for reading instruction under the Alaska Reads Act. The governor also vetoed funding for snow removal and maintenance workers, impacting snow storage and recruitment efforts in central Alaska.
In other news, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit’s decisions on anti-camping ordinances, allowing local governments like Anchorage to address homeless encampments. Additionally, the Alaska Supreme Court reversed a ruling on the correspondence program, giving plaintiffs other means to challenge its constitutionality.
Anchorage Mayor-elect Suzanne LaFrance will be sworn in tomorrow, and the Anchorage Assembly passed a zoning ordinance allowing for easier construction of duplexes. There have been several withdrawals from primary races, leaving eight House incumbents unopposed. Notable staff hires include Kay Schuster and Yarrow Silvers, while Ethan Schutt’s reappointment to the Permanent Fund Board of Trustees remains uncertain.
This week’s Loose Unit is Brett Huber, a long-time figure in Alaska politics, for unspecified reasons. The Landmine continues to provide in-depth coverage of Alaskan politics and welcomes reader support through donations.
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