Dunleavy backtracked on majority of state operations vetoes, excluding transfers

In terms of spending on state operations and the size of government in Alaska, Gov. Mike Dunleavy has backtracked more than Alaskans have been led to believe.

Dermot ColeAugust 24, 2019 Comments

State mistake on Medicaid dental benefits may force temporary continuation of program

It appears that the Dunleavy administration, in its haste to get rid of adult dental services for people on Medicaid, did not follow regulations that require a 10-day advance notice of termination to beneficiaries, according to some Alaska health care experts.

Dermot ColeAugust 23, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy didn't tell truth about school funds in staged video with son of state executives

Instead of revealing that the child’s parents are in his employ, Dunleavy acted as if the boy was a random member of the public who had contacted the governor’s office with questions about the Dunleavy administration and was rewarded with an audience.

Dermot ColeAugust 22, 2019 Comments

After yanking dental care for poor, Dunleavy seeks Dental Director for poor

The task became critical this week because Gov. Mike Dunleavy decided to make it impossible for thousands of the poorest people in the state to get basic dental care under Medicaid, ending a program that began 13 years ago.

Dermot ColeAugust 21, 2019 Comments

After the recall gained momentum, Dunleavy began hankering to parley

When he introduced his budget in February and when he rejected key decisions by the Legislature with hundreds of millions in vetoes in June, Gov. Mike Dunleavy did not say he wanted to start a conversation.

Dermot ColeAugust 20, 2019 Comments

Journalistic shorthand on Dunleavy's fiscal fantasy needs to be retired

In its summation of what it claims Alaskans have learned from the Dunleavy budget fiasco, the Anchorage Daily News repeats the statement that Gov. Mike Dunleavy campaigned for office on budget cuts. Time to retire that line.

Dermot ColeAugust 19, 2019 Comments

News coverage of Dunleavy retreat on UA budget elevates spin, ignores substance

The news coverage of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s reversal on the University of Alaska budget continues to focus on the false statements featured in state press releases, while ignoring the substance of the so-called “compact” signed by UA officials under duress that disguise what is taking place.

Dermot ColeAugust 16, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy backtracks as rapid recall campaign gains strength

Forget the three-year deal about the University of Alaska budget. It has no basis legally or politically. It doesn’t exist. It is an attempt by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to distract the public.

Dermot ColeAugust 15, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy strong-arms university into publicity stunt with meaningless 'compact'

The headlines about the governor’s publicity stunt should be: "Dunleavy wants $70 million cut, while UA agrees that is what Dunleavy wants."

Dermot ColeAugust 13, 2019 Comments

In a bizarre twist, Dunleavy contradicts himself, claims credit for budget reversals after 6 weeks

On Tuesday, Dunleavy claimed that his decision to reverse a few vetoes for education and senior benefits and spread out his attack on higher education were made possible only because his vetoes June 28 kicked off a statewide discussion.

Dermot ColeAugust 13, 2019 Comments