Matt Buxton
@matt.akmemo.com
Alaska wonk. Husker. Roller coaster, Magic card and staying in enthusiast. Writes akmemo.com
Hanging out and hanging on.
Hanging out and hanging on.
Pinned
Matt Buxton
@matt.akmemo.com
· Jan 21
The Alaska Memo
The What and Why it Matters of Alaska Politics by Matt Acuña Buxton.
www.akmemo.com
And I'll be at it here throughout session.
Follow my newsletter for even more #akleg wonkery at www.akmemo.com
Follow my newsletter for even more #akleg wonkery at www.akmemo.com
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Alaska Dept of Corrections officials report in a budget update hearing with a House Finance subcommittee this morning that as a result of closing a housing unit at the max-security Spring Creek prison in Seward, 2 weeks ago a "large fight" broke out involving 48 inmates and costing over $200k
February 10, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Alaska Dept of Corrections officials report in a budget update hearing with a House Finance subcommittee this morning that as a result of closing a housing unit at the max-security Spring Creek prison in Seward, 2 weeks ago a "large fight" broke out involving 48 inmates and costing over $200k
Reposted by Matt Buxton
After a full day of hearings, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s omnibus tax bill faced widespread skepticism from lawmakers, local governments and the public. thealaskacurrent.com/2026/02/09/d...
Dunleavy’s sales tax proposal flops with legislators, local governments and Alaskans - The Alaska Current
There were a series of hearings the House Finance Committee held on Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s omnibus tax bill on Thursday.
thealaskacurrent.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:17 PM
After a full day of hearings, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s omnibus tax bill faced widespread skepticism from lawmakers, local governments and the public. thealaskacurrent.com/2026/02/09/d...
🧵🧵 The House Finance Committee is already underway with a hearing on the state's Medicaid rate review study, which looks at how the state's reimbursement rates, etc., under Medicaid are or are not keeping up with costs.
(I'm watching on a 15-minute delay)
#akleg
www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
(I'm watching on a 15-minute delay)
#akleg
www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
February 9, 2026 at 11:02 PM
🧵🧵 The House Finance Committee is already underway with a hearing on the state's Medicaid rate review study, which looks at how the state's reimbursement rates, etc., under Medicaid are or are not keeping up with costs.
(I'm watching on a 15-minute delay)
#akleg
www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
(I'm watching on a 15-minute delay)
#akleg
www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
this owns
Latest from the memo breaks down one of the most thorough demolitions I've ever witnessed happen to a bill in a single legislative day:
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
#akleg
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
#akleg
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
Dunleavy's flimsy fiscal plan ran into one of the most thorough demolitions of a bill to take place over the course of a single legislative day.
www.akmemo.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:10 AM
this owns
Latest from the memo breaks down one of the most thorough demolitions I've ever witnessed happen to a bill in a single legislative day:
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
#akleg
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
#akleg
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
Dunleavy's flimsy fiscal plan ran into one of the most thorough demolitions of a bill to take place over the course of a single legislative day.
www.akmemo.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Latest from the memo breaks down one of the most thorough demolitions I've ever witnessed happen to a bill in a single legislative day:
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
#akleg
Legislators, local governments and Alaskans pan Dunleavy's silly sales tax pitch
#akleg
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Olympics Postponed After Torchbearer Gets Held Up At Deli Counter
February 6, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Olympics Postponed After Torchbearer Gets Held Up At Deli Counter
House Finance is back this afternoon for more on Gov. Mike Dunleavy's omnibus tax bill (sales tax, bigger PFD, no corporate income taxes). Now they're hearing from local governments.
Watch: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
PFD slides of the presentation: www.akleg.gov/basis/get_do...
#akleg
🧵
Watch: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
PFD slides of the presentation: www.akleg.gov/basis/get_do...
#akleg
🧵
February 5, 2026 at 10:43 PM
House Finance is back this afternoon for more on Gov. Mike Dunleavy's omnibus tax bill (sales tax, bigger PFD, no corporate income taxes). Now they're hearing from local governments.
Watch: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
PFD slides of the presentation: www.akleg.gov/basis/get_do...
#akleg
🧵
Watch: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
PFD slides of the presentation: www.akleg.gov/basis/get_do...
#akleg
🧵
Frankly offended that getting up when I wake up rather than trying to sleep in as long as humanly possible makes me a tad more productive and motivated.
February 5, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Frankly offended that getting up when I wake up rather than trying to sleep in as long as humanly possible makes me a tad more productive and motivated.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
No one:
Jamie Allard: I understand what Rural Alaskans go through paying a statewide sales task. I would abolish property taxes and replace it with a sales tax.
Jamie Allard: I understand what Rural Alaskans go through paying a statewide sales task. I would abolish property taxes and replace it with a sales tax.
February 5, 2026 at 8:17 PM
No one:
Jamie Allard: I understand what Rural Alaskans go through paying a statewide sales task. I would abolish property taxes and replace it with a sales tax.
Jamie Allard: I understand what Rural Alaskans go through paying a statewide sales task. I would abolish property taxes and replace it with a sales tax.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Some good news: almost 100 Alaska storm evacuees have moved from hotels to longer term housing since last week.
That's significant progress, considering the housing shortage in Anchorage and statewide.
Now, the state is reporting 381 people, making up 73 households are still sheltering in hotels.
That's significant progress, considering the housing shortage in Anchorage and statewide.
Now, the state is reporting 381 people, making up 73 households are still sheltering in hotels.
February 5, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Some good news: almost 100 Alaska storm evacuees have moved from hotels to longer term housing since last week.
That's significant progress, considering the housing shortage in Anchorage and statewide.
Now, the state is reporting 381 people, making up 73 households are still sheltering in hotels.
That's significant progress, considering the housing shortage in Anchorage and statewide.
Now, the state is reporting 381 people, making up 73 households are still sheltering in hotels.
The House Finance Committee is underway with a morning meeting on Gov. Mike Dunleavy's sprawling tax bill, which is headlined by a 2-4% sales tax and the elimination of corporate income taxes.
📺: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
📄: www.akleg.gov/basis/Meetin...
#akleg
🧵
📺: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
📄: www.akleg.gov/basis/Meetin...
#akleg
🧵
February 5, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The House Finance Committee is underway with a morning meeting on Gov. Mike Dunleavy's sprawling tax bill, which is headlined by a 2-4% sales tax and the elimination of corporate income taxes.
📺: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
📄: www.akleg.gov/basis/Meetin...
#akleg
🧵
📺: www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/...
📄: www.akleg.gov/basis/Meetin...
#akleg
🧵
Reposted by Matt Buxton
"Gov. Mike Dunleavy in May issued a freeze on out-of-state travel. But the savings were relatively minor compared to increases in salary costs — roughly $300,000 across state departments."
The state of Alaska spent $29 million paying executive-level officials last year, an increase of roughly 9% compared to the year before, according to recently released data. www.adn.com/politics/ala...
Annual spending on compensation for Alaska state officials tops $29M
Gov. Mike Dunleavy reported spending $116,000 on travel, including a trip to Asia to promote the gas line.
www.adn.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:37 PM
"Gov. Mike Dunleavy in May issued a freeze on out-of-state travel. But the savings were relatively minor compared to increases in salary costs — roughly $300,000 across state departments."
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Anchorage judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/briefs/ancho...
Anchorage judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media | Alaska Beacon
A former aide to Gov. Mike Dunleavy filed the suit, alleging an article didn't accurately portray his beliefs about marital rape.
alaskabeacon.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:24 AM
Anchorage judge dismisses defamation lawsuit against Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/briefs/ancho...
Latest from the memo:
State's salary study conveniently lost in 'Byzantine bureaucracy' after the state argues a second study is needed to study the feasibility of the original study.
#akleg
State's salary study conveniently lost in 'Byzantine bureaucracy' after the state argues a second study is needed to study the feasibility of the original study.
#akleg
State's salary study conveniently lost in 'Byzantine bureaucracy'
The state argues the latest delay is because they need to go out for a second study to study whether the implementation of the salary study is feasible.
www.akmemo.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Latest from the memo:
State's salary study conveniently lost in 'Byzantine bureaucracy' after the state argues a second study is needed to study the feasibility of the original study.
#akleg
State's salary study conveniently lost in 'Byzantine bureaucracy' after the state argues a second study is needed to study the feasibility of the original study.
#akleg
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Alaska’s state ferry system is at risk of a partial or total shutdown this summer due a $78 million shortfall with the failure of the Trump administration to issue a key annual grant in 2025.
“Right now, we have a federal chaos problem” - Sen Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau
alaskabeacon.com/2026/02/03/a...
“Right now, we have a federal chaos problem” - Sen Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau
alaskabeacon.com/2026/02/03/a...
Alaska’s ferry system could run out of funding this summer due to ‘federal chaos problem’ | Alaska Beacon
A shift in state funding could help, but a big gap likely remains unless a key federal grant is issued this spring.
alaskabeacon.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Alaska’s state ferry system is at risk of a partial or total shutdown this summer due a $78 million shortfall with the failure of the Trump administration to issue a key annual grant in 2025.
“Right now, we have a federal chaos problem” - Sen Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau
alaskabeacon.com/2026/02/03/a...
“Right now, we have a federal chaos problem” - Sen Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau
alaskabeacon.com/2026/02/03/a...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Pros And Cons Of Social Media Bans For Teens https://theonion.com/pros-and-cons-of-social-media-bans-for-teens/
February 2, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Pros And Cons Of Social Media Bans For Teens https://theonion.com/pros-and-cons-of-social-media-bans-for-teens/
In House Finance, legislators are raking the Dunleavy administration over the coals for DOA Comm. Paula Vrana skipping out of a hearing on the long-overdue salary study.
"It's a little bit shocking to me that your commissioner is not with you today, that she sent the lambs to the fire."
#akleg
"It's a little bit shocking to me that your commissioner is not with you today, that she sent the lambs to the fire."
#akleg
February 2, 2026 at 11:38 PM
In House Finance, legislators are raking the Dunleavy administration over the coals for DOA Comm. Paula Vrana skipping out of a hearing on the long-overdue salary study.
"It's a little bit shocking to me that your commissioner is not with you today, that she sent the lambs to the fire."
#akleg
"It's a little bit shocking to me that your commissioner is not with you today, that she sent the lambs to the fire."
#akleg
Reposted by Matt Buxton
“It is my Honor to deliver for the Great State of Alaska, which I won BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024 — ALASKA, I WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote immediately after the disaster. #akleg #Alaska
NEW: The Trump admin. has denied Alaska's request for full reimbursement for disaster relief efforts for the first 3 months following the devastating Western Alaska storms, though Gov. Dunleavy claimed it was promised last fall.
The state has filed an appeal.
alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/30/t...
The state has filed an appeal.
alaskabeacon.com/2026/01/30/t...
Trump administration denies full disaster funding for Western Alaska storms, state files appeal | Alaska Beacon
The Trump administration has denied Alaska’s request for full reimbursement for disaster relief efforts for the Western Alaska storms.
alaskabeacon.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Reposted by Matt Buxton
A large crowd rallies at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau in protest of ICE, murders of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti, Renee Good and others in ICE custody, and calling for an end to ICE operations + immigration crackdown
January 29, 2026 at 9:28 PM
A large crowd rallies at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau in protest of ICE, murders of Minneapolis residents Alex Pretti, Renee Good and others in ICE custody, and calling for an end to ICE operations + immigration crackdown
This afternoon's House State Affairs hearing on HB 202, which would name the giant cabbage the state's vegetable, has been canceled.
#akleg
#akleg
a cartoon of a man with his hands on his head and the words " my cabbages " below him
ALT: a cartoon of a man with his hands on his head and the words " my cabbages " below him
media.tenor.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:04 PM
This afternoon's House State Affairs hearing on HB 202, which would name the giant cabbage the state's vegetable, has been canceled.
#akleg
#akleg
Senate Finance is underway with the Legislative Finance's overview of the governor's budget, which includes several spots where the Dunleavy administration has overspent its budget.
Sen. Kiehl notes Dunleavy "vilified" the Juneau for overspending, you're saying they did precisely that?!?
#akleg
Sen. Kiehl notes Dunleavy "vilified" the Juneau for overspending, you're saying they did precisely that?!?
#akleg
January 28, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Senate Finance is underway with the Legislative Finance's overview of the governor's budget, which includes several spots where the Dunleavy administration has overspent its budget.
Sen. Kiehl notes Dunleavy "vilified" the Juneau for overspending, you're saying they did precisely that?!?
#akleg
Sen. Kiehl notes Dunleavy "vilified" the Juneau for overspending, you're saying they did precisely that?!?
#akleg
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Raised on remote fish hatcheries, Juneau printmaker Meghan Chambers finds her muse where forest meets sea. Birds, tidepools and a century-old press shape a growing printmaking movement in Southeast Alaska.
For Meghan Chambers, beginnings are coastal - The Alaska Current
This morning, like many others, Chambers stays close to what she considers home: the shoreline.
buff.ly
January 28, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Raised on remote fish hatcheries, Juneau printmaker Meghan Chambers finds her muse where forest meets sea. Birds, tidepools and a century-old press shape a growing printmaking movement in Southeast Alaska.
Latest in my newsletter:
Gov. Mike Dunleavy's fiscal plan: Sales tax for you, tax cuts for corporations
It's not just a bridge, but an attempt to copy what they've been doing in South Dakota, which ranks among the most regressive states in the country.
#akleg
Gov. Mike Dunleavy's fiscal plan: Sales tax for you, tax cuts for corporations
It's not just a bridge, but an attempt to copy what they've been doing in South Dakota, which ranks among the most regressive states in the country.
#akleg
Dunleavy’s fiscal plan: Sales tax for you, tax cuts for corporations
It's not just a plan to branch the state's finances until the next great oil boom, but a plan to shift the state's tax burden from the well-connected to everyone else.
www.akmemo.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:05 AM
Latest in my newsletter:
Gov. Mike Dunleavy's fiscal plan: Sales tax for you, tax cuts for corporations
It's not just a bridge, but an attempt to copy what they've been doing in South Dakota, which ranks among the most regressive states in the country.
#akleg
Gov. Mike Dunleavy's fiscal plan: Sales tax for you, tax cuts for corporations
It's not just a bridge, but an attempt to copy what they've been doing in South Dakota, which ranks among the most regressive states in the country.
#akleg
In the Senate Finance Committee, legislators are bringing up a new wrinkle with Gov. Dunleavy's veto of the federal highway match in a move to preserve funding for the Juneau Access Project:
The Juneau Access Project is 100% state-funded, whereas the match is 1:10.
Bad budgeting.
#akleg
The Juneau Access Project is 100% state-funded, whereas the match is 1:10.
Bad budgeting.
#akleg
January 27, 2026 at 6:46 PM
In the Senate Finance Committee, legislators are bringing up a new wrinkle with Gov. Dunleavy's veto of the federal highway match in a move to preserve funding for the Juneau Access Project:
The Juneau Access Project is 100% state-funded, whereas the match is 1:10.
Bad budgeting.
#akleg
The Juneau Access Project is 100% state-funded, whereas the match is 1:10.
Bad budgeting.
#akleg