33rd legislature

Senate Bill 114 would extend income taxes to companies that are not publicly traded — like oil and gas company Hilcorp, which is Cook Inlet’s dominant oil and gas producer.

The bill is a new version of legislation Peter Micciche sponsored when he was in the Alaska Senate. Advocates say it would make the struggling set-net fishery more sustainable for its permit holders.

First-time Soldotna Rep. Justin Ruffridge is back home this weekend. We spoke with Ruffrdige about his new "Freshman Caucus," his first bill and the unique perspective he brings to Juneau.

The group is an informal caucus, made up of the Alaska State House's first year legislators. “Our purpose will be to discuss ideas, debate policy, and share those issues most important to the constituents which encompass districts from all over the state,” Ruffridge said Friday.

Donna Arduin worked in Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office between 2018 and 2019. Rep. Ben Carpenter said she’s in Juneau now and working as his full-time policy adviser.