Politics

Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, has previously compared COVID-19 vaccinations to Nazi medical experiments.

The change is not mandatory; decisions are being made by agency and department leaders.

Alaska’s redistricting board is meeting in Anchorage, but state courts are likely to decide the outcome.

Payments are likely to begin reaching bank accounts in mid-October.

A member of the Alaska Legislature has apologized for saying Nazi experimentation on prisoners “produced results.”

Gov. Dunleavy says he will not veto the payment, but he will call lawmakers into a fourth special session that is set to begin Oct. 1.

The state hospital association opposed late-added amendments, causing the bill to lose support.

Another special session is possible if negotiations fail.

Some opponents of vaccination efforts have compared them to Nazi medical atrocities.

Legislators have until midnight Tuesday to pass legislation in the current special session.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said President Joe Biden’s effort to require millions of U.S. workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is “ill conceived, divisive, and un-American.”

At least two state senators expect that House lawmakers will strip the bill of the amendments dealing with vaccine requirements.

Members of the public can submit their own ideas through Friday. The board is planning weeks of public testimony sessions across the state to take feedback.

The Eagle River lawmaker opposes wearing a mask, which public health officials have urged people to do to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Lawmakers expect a telehealth bill and a 2021 dividend will go to Gov. Mike Dunleavy by the time the session ends Tuesday.

Haaland now plans to visit the state later this year.

Members of the Alaska House had asked the governor to declare a statewide emergency.

Voters will be asked in 2022 whether they want a convention. If the answer is yes, delegates could be chosen in 2024, and a new draft might be up for a vote in 2026.

A 20-year state employee will replace John MacKinnon, one of the governor’s original cabinet selections.

Alaska can’t exempt itself from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Citizens United, state judges said.