Last week, I signed a budget that narrowly avoided a government shutdown. It’s a budget that significantly reduces spending by just over $200 million, but ultimately threatens no jobs or programs. These reductions were carefully targeted at money that was added by the Legislature. You won’t find any wild slashes or “cruel” cuts. Unfortunately, it’s […]
Athletics and group activities were a big part of my life growing up in Homer. The thrill of success for your team and teammates were regularly celebrated with high-fives, chest bumps and huddles – all of which required closeness and nothing about physical distancing. So I felt for Alaska’s kids who struggled during this pandemic […]
Alaska was anticipated to welcome 1.3 million tourists by cruise ship in 2020 before the pandemic brought tourism to a halt. The economic loss from a canceled cruise ship season in 2020 alone totals $3 billion, with 2,180 businesses at direct risk – many of which are small family owned businesses. In early April, Governor […]
In the years leading up to 1971, the federal government urged Alaska Native families to claim their 160-acre land allotment before the program was abruptly terminated by the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. That message never reached George Bennett Sr. Like 2,800 other Alaska Natives, he was serving his country on the […]