Dunleavy hides opposition to power subsidies, scholarships in legalese

The best way for the Legislature to respond is to approve the so-called “reverse sweep” so that the endowments for scholarships and rural electric payments are not emptied by administrative action without public hearings or discussion.

Dermot ColeJuly 19, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy pushes false claims in attack on University of Alaska

The University of Alaska is one of the most important institutions for the future of our state. It deserves a real appraisal of its strengths and weaknesses. Not this dishonest document from the Dunleavy administration.

Dermot ColeJuly 18, 2019 Comments

Crime bill comes with tough talk, big pricetag and no money to implement it

The same brilliant policy call by the Dunleavy administration that put the Power Cost Equalization program on hold has eliminated funding to implement the new crime bill.

Dermot ColeJuly 17, 2019 Comments

Damage spreads from Dunleavy's dismantling of University of Alaska

The Dunleavy attack on higher education in Alaska is only beginning. It starts with steps to erode confidence in the viability of the University of Alaska.

Dermot ColeJuly 17, 2019 Comments

UAA faculty to University of Alaska Fairbanks: Drop Dead

The university should make cuts to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, according to faculty members from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Dermot ColeJuly 15, 2019 Comments

Regents delay emergency response to Dunleavy's chaotic attack on Alaska's university

The University of Alaska Board of Regents met Monday in Fairbanks to deal with the emergency created by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reckless effort to erase much of the institution that has served the state and territory for a century.

Dermot ColeJuly 15, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy attack on higher education comes right out of Arduin's playbook

Those of us who have written about Alaska’s unprecedented budget fight haven’t done enough to put the role of temporary budget director Donna Arduin in context and appreciate that she is using a playbook with a predictable script.

Dermot ColeJuly 14, 2019 Comments

Fight to preserve state services shifts to House Finance Committee Monday

Most Alaska legislators have yet to give up on the fight to stop the dismantling of the University of Alaska and restore sanity. It ain’t over til it’s over.

Dermot ColeJuly 13, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy ignored months of testimony, research on budget cuts

With his vetoes, Gov. Mike Dunleavy went back to his original budget released in February, which had no public involvement in its creation, fashioned by the temporary budget director.

Dermot ColeJuly 11, 2019 Comments

Alaska's Constitution gives legislative minority full control on budget vetoes

Since statehood, we’ve had governors, regardless of party or ideology, who have operated within relative bounds of normalcy, and have not exercised these constitutional powers to full, unrestrained, destructive effect. That changed in 2018.

By Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins

Dermot ColeJuly 11, 2019 Comments