Legislature

Newest Bush legislator to join with Democrats in Juneau

Alaska political junkies, meet Neal Foster of Nome: pilot, Stanford grad, marathoner. Here is the part you'll care about most: As the region's new legislator, he will team with Democrats rather than Republicans.

Legislators seek estimates for new offices

Alaska lawmakers are moving forward with obtaining cost estimates for a new legislative office building in Anchorage, although a representative with say over state spending is fighting the idea and argues it would be a "monument to legislative vanity."

Photos: Alaska State Legislature building

Foster's son to take Nome House seat

Neal Foster has been appointed to a state House seat to replace his late father, Rep. Richard Foster, who died last month.

Alaska showcase in NYC seeks funding

State legislators are considering spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in public money to support an arts and cultural center in New York City that its founder describes as an embassy devoted to increasing awareness of Alaska.

Web site: Alaska House New York

Ramras concerned AGIA could block in-state gas line

State Rep. Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, said he plans to seek a legal analysis to determine if the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act of 2007 could thwart construction of a small-scale, in-state natural gas pipeline.

GOP lists potential Coghill successors

North Pole Republicans on Saturday selected a list of three candidates to replace Rep. John Coghill, who has moved to the state Senate. Among the contenders: The current mayor of North Pole and a candidate trailing in the undecided borough mayor election.

Legislative office building hinges on cost factors

Alaska legislators want better cost estimates before they decide whether to pursue construction of a legislative office building in downtown Anchorage. The Legislative Council, a panel of state senators and representatives that handles day-to day business of the Legislature, met Tuesday in Anchorage to talk about the matter.

Legislators consider a new building in Anchorage

Alaska lawmakers are again talking about building a new legislative office building in Anchorage, after ditching a plan to do so last year because of the price tag and worries of Juneau legislators that it could be a backhanded capital move.

Legislators look to expand Alaska's child pornography law

A state prosecutor who handles child pornography cases wants sexually explicit drawings of children -- even computer-generated cartoons -- to be as illegal as photographs of actual abuse.

New Susitna dam report due in spring

State Sen. Joe Thomas said the analysis should be ready next spring on the proposal to dam the Susitna River to generate electricity.

Former legislator dead at 90

Gov. Sean Parnell has directed that state flags be lowered to half-staff today to honor former state Rep. Keith Specking.

Republicans suggest 3 names to replace District F senator

Gov. Sean Parnell will have three names to choose from to replace Gene Therriault as state senator from District F, which stretches from North Pole to Valdez.

Capitol will be a little chilly until new boilers installed and running

It's going to get a little chilly at Alaska's Capitol, but the winter should be nice and toasty.

Legislators hesitant on plan to hire aide's spouse

Anchorage state Rep. Craig Johnson is trying to get the Legislature to hire the lobbyist husband of an aide for a $20,000 state contact, and enough questions have been raised about it that legislative leaders are setting the matter aside for extra study.

Applicants wanted to fill state Senate seat

Alaska Republicans are taking applications to replace state Sen. Gene Therriault, the veteran North Pole lawmaker who announced his resignation to take a job with the Parnell administration.

Legislators look for Seward Highway traffic safety solutions

This summer's string of deaths on the Seward Highway had state legislators talking Tuesday about what's being done to help keep Alaska drivers alive.

Former legislator Tim Kelly dies

Retired Sen. Tim Kelly, who earned a reputation as a skilled backstage manager during his long service in the state Legislature, died Monday in Anchorage.

Legislature overrides Palin's stimulus veto

The Alaska Legislature voted Monday to override former Gov. Sarah Palin's veto of $28 million in federal stimulus money for energy cost relief. But it was as close as a vote can get.

Lawmakers confirm lieutenant governor

Photos: Special session

Video: Legislature in special session

Legislature to take up Palin stimulus veto

A final battle remaining from the Sarah Palin era as Alaska governor closes Monday when the Legislature votes on whether to override her veto of federal stimulus money for energy cost relief.

Complete Alaska Legislature coverage

State-run Medicaid program gets OK for new admissions

People who are elderly, ill or disabled and need help in their home with bathing, cleaning, meals and other basics will be able to sign up for service again starting next week.

Lawsuit targets initiative requiring abortion notification

Planned Parenthood of Alaska and an Anchorage high school teacher are suing the state to block a voter initiative that would make it illegal for minors to get abortions without notifying a parent.