JUNEAU – In advancing his plan to build a safer Alaska, Governor Bill Walker introduced three bills today to increase protection for vulnerable residents and allow for greater trooper presence throughout the state. This action is part of the governor’s larger plan to increase public safety, and reduce the high rates of violence and substance […]
JUNEAU – As part of his plan to build a safer Alaska, Governor Bill Walker introduced legislation today to change the way opioids are prescribed and monitored. “Alaska is in the grips of a tragic opioid epidemic,” said Governor Walker. “Abuse of heroin and opioids has torn apart families, increased crime, and led to far […]
JUNEAU – First Lady Donna Walker announced Monday that nominations have opened for the First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Awards. Started by First Lady Bella Hammond in 1975, the Awards recognize Alaskan volunteers who have displayed an extraordinary personal commitment to volunteer service, and have made a major impact on their community or state. […]
JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Governor Byron Mallott welcomed news that the U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker accepted the state’s request for a disaster declaration on pink salmon harvests in the Gulf of Alaska last week. In accordance with Section 312 (a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act (MSA), […]
JUNEAU – Governor Bill Walker delivered his third State of the State address Wednesday evening, urging members of the 30th Alaska State Legislature to pass a plan this session to fix Alaska’s fiscal crisis. “State revenues are down more than 80 percent from four years ago. While we have cut the budget 44 percent, we still […]
ANCHORAGE – The State of Alaska filed a lawsuit Friday challenging the National Park Service’s (“NPS”) and Fish and Wildlife Service’s (“FWS”) regulations attempting to prohibit certain hunting methods on national wildlife refuges and national preserves. Among other consequences, the NPS and FWS rules would impact some of the customary and traditional methods of harvest […]
ANCHORAGE – Governor Bill Walker applauded Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan Wednesday for introducing legislation that would allow a road to be built between King Cove and Cold Bay. Titled the “King Cove Road Land Exchange Act”, the bill would facilitate a land exchange between the U.S. Department of the Interior and the State […]
ANCHORAGE – Governor Bill Walker applauded Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan Thursday for introducing legislation to allow limited oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Titled the Alaska Oil and Gas Production Act, the bill would allow for the development of no more than 2,000 surface acres in the 1002 […]
ANCHORAGE—Governor Bill Walker’s fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018) budget reduces state spending while supporting vital services and protecting the permanent fund dividend. The proposed $4.2 billion unrestricted general fund (UGF) operating budget is 23 percent lower than when Governor Walker took office two years ago. To lead by example, Governor […]