The executive branch doesn’t compromise because it doesn’t have to. The Legislature has handed over ongoing spending power to the executive branch.
In the next few weeks, the Alaska Legislature will agree on and articulate its priorities for the year by passing the budget bills. It’s a complicated process involving a massive set of documents filled with enormous numbers.
Alaska’s executive branch can line item veto appropriations, making it one of the most powerful in the nation. But the Alaska Constitution makes clear that the power to appropriate money belongs to the state Legislature.When I first learned about the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, aka AIDEA, prior to my two decades in the Alaska Senate, I supported it.
AIDEA’s mission is to create jobs and economic development. But its track record over the last four decades, as well asfrom respected long-time Alaska economists Milt Barker and Gregg Erickson question AIDEA’s cost and financial performance. They look at the history of shrinking and sometimes questionable returns to the state, its poorly overseen Loan Participation Program, and its march to autonomy and away from legislative oversight.
All state expenditures from the state treasury can be used for any authorized constitutional expenditure. And “investments” at less than market rates are payments to something or someone.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Opinion: Blame the Utah Legislature for pothole-filled streets“When Utah drivers travel through the state’s pothole-filled city-county streets, they should not blame local mayors and council members,” writes Don Gale. “The real villains are the governor and members of the state legislature.”
Read more »
What's at Stake in Donald Trump's New York Fraud Trial?See multiple perspectives from National Review (Opinion), CNN (Opinion), and Christian Science Monitor at AllSides.com.
Read more »
Are Pro-Palestinian Protests at American Universities Going Too Far?See multiple perspectives from National Review (Opinion), New York Times (Opinion), and Newsweek at AllSides.com.
Read more »
Compassion or Hatred? What's Motivating Protesters on College Campuses?See multiple perspectives from New York Post (Opinion), CNN (Opinion), and The Hill at AllSides.com.
Read more »
Maine Legislature Revises Budget Proposal in Response to CriticismThe Democratic-led Maine Legislature's spending committee has revised its budget proposal after facing complaints from both Republicans and the Democratic governor. The revised version restores highway funding and pension benefits for retirees. Despite concerns about exceeding the governor's proposed budget update, the new version has her approval.
Read more »
When celebrities push bills at California's LegislatureSocialite Paris Hilton is only the latest celebrity to try to capitalize on their fame to push bills at the California Legislature.
Read more »