Stateline Headlines

Alaska's oil comeback is under way

Parnell offers $50M in state funds for ANWR seismic work

Rep. Don Young, on Africa hunting trip, misses hearing on Alaska oil legislation

Voter cast ballots in Alaska and another state during November election, official says

Alaska Housing Finance Corp. to ban smoking in many of its units

Struggling for fair oil tax: Who owns Alaska?

As exports heat up, Alaskans wonder whether decades-old pipe dreams will ever become reality

Alaska Notebook: 2014

Parnell blocks fund transfer from Hoonah dock to Sitka pool

University of Alaska Fairbanks looks at sun power

Lawmaker plans bill on conflict of interest rules

Goodbye dividends, hello tax

Alaska must do better than oil tax giveaway

UA plans sequestration strategy

Lawmaker plans bill on conflict of interest rules

Governor signs oil tax cut, budget bills, vetoes $2.5M

Alaska unveils plan to assess gas, oil in ANWR

Parnell to sign oil tax bill, budgets

State's request for waiver from education law OK'd

Left needs oil-tax repeal referendum to rally the ignorant

Oil tax reform in SB 21 is key to oil renaissance

With natural gas prospects, Susitna dam not needed

As mining booms in Southeast, so does mine training program

Commission to consider misconduct allegations against Alaska police officers

State to recover $376K in Medicaid case

Alaska video details rural airports

Alaska ferry system considers raising rates

Renovation work to soon start on Alaska Capitol

Compass: Don't buy the company line on oil tax cuts

State closes Unit 23 muskox hunting season

Parnell adopted into Eagle Killer Whale Clan

Parnell meeting with banks, agencies in New York

Flags to be lowered for peace officers

State doesn't plan to seek costs in Palin case

Referendum on the oil tax bill

Sequestration hitting federal unemployment benefits

Budget cuts pare real-time monitoring of volcanoes

Referendum puts power into people's hands

State, ConocoPhillips, ASRC join legal fight for NPR-A drilling

Historic house proposed as lodging for lt. gov

Facts about the oil tax giveaway

Auditors agree to review Denali Commission

USFS looks at wrong year for cuts

Alaska Gambles With Major Oil Tax Cut

A multi-billion dollar tax experiment could make or break Alaska’s economy and provide a lesson for other states.

Alaska State of the State Address 2013

Following is Alaska Governor Sean Parnell's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

Next Elections: Races for Legislative Leadership

For aspiring legislative leaders, the elections aren’t over yet. Even as the final counts from last week’s votes are still being tallied, lawmakers who hope to be house speakers or senate presidents are courting their colleagues.

In Palin Ruling, Alaska Supreme Court OKs Personal Email for State Business

The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday said state officials may use personal email accounts to conduct official business, but some emails sent from private accounts may be subject to open records law.

Best of #StateReads: N. C. Regulators Miss Catching Cheating Businesses

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

In Alaska, Bipartisanship on the Ballot

An unusual coalition of Republicans and Democrats has led the Alaska Senate for six years, but many conservative Republicans hope it won’t continue for a seventh.

Federal Court Blocks Parts of Anti-Immigration Law in Alabama, Georgia

A federal appeals court on Monday blocked several provisions of anti-immigration laws in Alabama and Georgia, while leaving intact each state’s so-called “so me your papers” policies.

Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012

Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues.

Several U.S. States Deemed Best Global Oil and Gas Investments

Oklahoma is the best place on earth to invest in oil and gas development, according to a survey of energy executives. Six other states joined it in the top 10.

In Oil-Rich Alaska, Will the Good Times Last?

High oil prices are a boon for Alaska, whose credit rating recently went up to the coveted triple-A level. But waning oil production, unpredictable prices and looming pension costs remain challenges.

Alaska State of the State Address 2012

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor, distinguished guests and fellow Alaskans, this evening we continue a tradition that speaks to the strength of our republic. Alaska's Cons

Abolishing a State Income Tax Is Easier Said Than Done

Conservatives in several states are hatching plans to take income taxes off the books. The question they must answer is whether they would replace lost revenues with other taxes or simply cut services.

In a Year of Cuts, Some College Presidents Get a Raise

EDUCATION BEAT: Top higher education officials have gotten raises wthout controversy in Alaska and Montana, but a proposed increase in Utah has incited responses from angry legislators and the governor.

Dividend Day in Alaska Brings $1,174 Checks

TODAY'S TAKE: On a live TV broadcast aired statewide on Tuesday (September 20), Alaska Governor Sean Parnell tore open a golden envelope and revealed the amount that each resident will receive this year just for living in Alaska.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Falters

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Low natural gas prices undercut plans for a pipeline from Alaska to the Lower 48 ... Florida's environmental agency ends fight against global warming ... Montana limits environmental review challenges, and more energy and environment news.

California, New Jersey Offer Low-Fee Unemployment Cards

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: California and New Jersey offer the best prepaid cards with the fewest fees to access unemployment benefits … Florida uses Twitter to help find homes for foster children ... Nine states could face penalties for missing welfare's work participation thresholds, and other social policy news.

In Alaska, High Oil Prices Spark an Unusual Budget Fight

Alaska lawmakers face an enviable predicament: what to do with a gusher of oil revenues flowing into the state treasury. The question has led to a surprising power struggle between Governor Sean Parnell and a bipartisan coalition in the state Senate.

Several States Wrap Up Their Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.

Surging Oil Prices Deliver Huge Surplus to Alaska

TODAY'S TAKE: With more than $11 billion already in its savings accounts, Alaska is projecting a new $3.4 billion surplus because of soaring oil prices. The debate now turns to what to do with all the money. 'Really, how much is enough?' Governor Sean Parnell asks, pushing lawmakers to approve tax cuts.

Alaska State of the State Address 2011

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor Treadwell, fellow Alaskans, thank you for joining us. The State of the State address is a time to take stock of the progress we've made together. In

LePage Struggles to Fill Maine Cabinet Due to Salary Concerns

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine's governor-elect says top choices for key roles have turned him down, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell promises a fight with the feds over Medicaid funding, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Alaska's Governor Shakes Up Gas Pipeline Team

TRANSITION WATCH: Alaska's Sean Parnell dismisses cabinet members working on a massive infrastructure project, Ohio's incoming House Speaker calls for Medicaid cuts, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Despite Debt Fears, Voters OK Most State Bond Measures

Where borrowing was on the ballot Tuesday, voters usually said yes. Meanwhile, Colorado affirmed its ability to issue debt.

Serving the Wide Open Spaces

Representing rural constituents is a chore when it takes a day's drive for a legislator to reach them. The problem is about to get worse.

On the Ballot in Alaska: Transparency

After seeing money flow in unusual ways through a pair of controversial campaigns, Alaska has made some changes to its ballot initiative process. Also: Stateline's updated guide to what's on state ballots in 2010.

Are There Enough Docs for the Newly Insured?

After Massachusetts started rolling out its 2006 law to ensure that nearly every one of its residents had health insurance, the sudden influx of newly insured patients created long waits to see primary care doctors. Now, physicians worry the entire country could see the same thing happen when the recently passed national health law takes full effect in 2014.

More States Drop Out of 'Race'

TODAY'S TAKE: Alaska and Texas raised eyebrows last year when they declined to join the "Race to the Top," the Obama administration's effort to revamp the nation's K-12 schools by handing out $4.35 billion in grants to states that change their education policies. But with 40 jurisdictions applying and only two winners announced in the first round of the competition, more states are deciding not to participate in round two.

What's the Fuss Over Lieutenant Govs?

Naming a new lieutenant governor in California has been no easy task. At one point last month, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democratic leaders of the Assembly fought over whether the Assembly had actually approved Schwarzenegger's pick for the post. In California, as in several other states, it's hard to keep in mind that the lieutenant governor's office is primarily designed to be a sort of insurance policy in case something happens to the governor. Instead, in several states like California, the position recently has been a political liability. The intrigue is even more baffling because many of the most hotly contested fights are in states where the lieutenant governor's powers are relatively weak.

States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010

Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.

Weekly Wrap: In Gloomy Times, Alaska Bounces Back

Oil price increases fuel Alaska's $2.2 billion budget surplus; Delaware sees at least five more years of slow revenue growth; and President Obama calls on Congress to continue a popular municipal bond program.

Summary of the Alaska State of the State Address

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell used his first state of the state address to call for new merit scholarships to Alaska universities, a two-year suspension of the state's gas tax and stepped-up measures to stop an "epidemic" of domestic violence and rape.

Alaska State of the State Address 2010

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Craig Campbell, President Gary Stevens, Speaker Mike Chenault, cabinet members, legislators, my family - Sandy, Grace and Rachel. Thank you for joining us. Tonight, we r

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

Tracking the Recession: Gloom in Alaska

Alaska's 22-year string of adding jobs is about to end, economists say, as the price of oil falls along with state revenue.

Alaska State of the State Address 2009

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you. Our good Lieutenant Governor Parnell, President Stevens, Speaker Chenault, lawmakers, Native Leaders, my dea

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

State Laws Pose Hurdles for Student Voters

College students who registered to vote in the state where they attend school have faced sometimes daunting regulations that vary from state to state. And they may confront one more hurdle - showing acceptable identification at the polls.

WORTH NOTING: 'Hockey mom' to make NHL debut

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will take part in Saturday's Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers game. Devotees of fish pedicures in Texas and the state of Washington will have to settle for more traditional foot-cleansing methods. And an Iowa appeals court finds that slow-pitch softball is a contact sport. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Newest States in the Union Get top Billing

With Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's addition to the Republican national ticket, all of the last three states admitted to the Union - Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona - can boast of being the home to major party candidates in this presidential election.

Alaska Still the Last Frontier at GOP Convention

After Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama tapped U.S. Sen. Joe Biden to be his running mate, Delaware, as Biden's home state, was rewarded at the Democratic National Convention with prime seating.

What Alaskans Are Saying About Palin

Sept. 2, 2008, 6:45 p.m. EDTWith the exception of Gov. Sarah Palin's lawyer, it appears U.S. Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign staffers didn't ask key Alaskans what they thought about the first-term governor before naming her his running mate, the Anchorage Daily News, The New York Times and others report. If they had, McCain's people might have heard something like this: "She's a total beginner on national and international issues," the Anchorage Daily News wrote in an editorial, it's her "one huge weakness." "Most people would acknowledge that, regardless of her charm and good intentions, Palin is not ready for the top job," the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner wrote. "At the national level Palin will have to be much more than a fresh and pretty face. Even in the next 24 hours she'll need a boatload of schooling on a shipload of issues, and the savvy to convince others she really does know what she's talking about," The Juneau Empire wrote. The Juneau paper continues: "For Palin and her handlers to say she's reformed a corrupt political system in her first two years as Alaska's governor is a stretch at best. So is saying she boldly bucked the influences of big oil in the state, and that she flatly said no to Ketchikan's infamous 'bridge to nowhere,' that had been earmarked in the federal budget." The editorial writers also noted some serious political risks, among them an ongoing investigation into Palin's termination of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Some charge Monegan was fired because he failed to bow to pressure from Palin's allies to fire a state trooper who had a messy divorce from Palin's sister. "It's a gamble that could pay off big, or it could be a bust of unparalleled proportions," The Juneau Empire wrote of McCain's choice. The Fairbanks paper concluded, "It's clear that McCain picked Palin for reasons of image, not substance. She's a woman. She has fought corruption. She has fought the oil companies. She's married to a union member. These are portrayals for campaign speeches; they are not policy positions." But all three papers say the attention paid to Alaska is good for the state. And the Anchorage paper notes that Palin offers a compelling political image. "Palin is comfortable around guns and snowmachines and fishing boats. She has a son in the military, soon to be deployed to Iraq. Those nontraditional female credentials help communicate the toughness that Republicans want to project in their campaign. Her youth and good looks are a handy complement to McCain, who is the oldest first-time presidential candidate in U.S. history." -Christine Vestal Comments

Alaska Governor First Woman in No. 2 GOP Slot

Alaska Gov.Sarah Palin (R)Sarah Palin, the first woman to serve in Alaska's top post, is now the first female to be chosen as a vice-presidential running mate in the Republican Party.

States Move to Regulate Senior Guardians

As the U.S. population ages and families scatter across the country, the frail elderly increasingly end up relying on court-appointed guardians when they can no longer take care of their personal affairs. California just joined six other states in watching over these professionals charged with protecting society's most vulnerable adults.

States Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

WORTH NOTING: Gov. Palin Expecting No. 5 — Soon

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) in Washington, D.C., Feb. 25.Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) explains her "bump." Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has a "first girlfriend." And the "governator" reports some unusual gifts from celebrities. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

Worth Noting: 'Taxasaurus' Sighted in Colorado

A gecko-like creature with a governor's head is spotted near Denver. A kidney transplant violates ethics laws in Alaska. And D.C.'s mayor gets snubbed again by those with statehood status. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Alaska State of the State Address 2008

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site and hear audio of the address. Lieutenant Governor, members of the 25th Alaska State Legislature and all Alaskans, thank you for this opportunity to spe

Palin strikes a pose in Vogue

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is set to join the glitterati in the fashion magazine Vogue. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) gets a whole bunch of charcoal for Christmas. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) wins a New Hampshire primary. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Report: Women govs get high marks

Women running for governor still have to work harder than men, but once elected, voters think female governors are better at getting things done and solving problems than their male counterparts, new research released Nov. 29 shows.

States, feds try to keep up with wildfires

With major wildfires burning in more than a dozen states and officials on high alert for more, authorities are scrambling to contain the blazes and keep new ones from igniting, despite unfavorable weather and strained resources.