[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6359022,"mediaKeyId","2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d","parentId",2209069,"title","Senators express concern about Cook Inlet gas supplies, point to lawsuit and drilling activity","audioSeconds",65,"startMs",1454044,"endMs",1519779,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d&start=1454&end=1519","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d/thumbnail_1454044.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359022/Alaska/Senators-express-concern-about-Cook-Inlet-gas-supplies-point-to-lawsuit-and-drilling-activity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359022-f2957fca72e45c0d4084909d1aae048c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412711&Signature=k5oxZDM9G9OX3BdGmmeD5bvW4TFDy2gl1qFvXrr3sn~uOD2ilDKQJz9YKrcUf6duDjiHKtviRiginMB89jmF2zdNCojagbz53BvInRrzirPZP1USb6TGdnJWv6pGOq2bldK3SkdAC2ggeKNim4jB87g-A-5Nyt7e4oBAYKZ8T2oMRED~K1g5V1MhOs1D7ySTz88RBk9wy9zjuwkrmPGCXfQuvxaMogY1LUPTbTWHs-p1LlfnHLPPBQwlSreDFgaUI00Oj4KZSqAGeSit7~TuafxJmruyu0Xag5Wo8X4KFCQyveMNAwZc7ZTRE98Jrtq8BlAeng04f1lXBEsu6JMgjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alaska State Legislature","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","Senators raised concern about Cook Inlet gas supply during the Senate press availability, noting a recent lawsuit that alleges operator actions could withhold gas needed in colder months.

Senator Giesel said the first‑week hearings focused on Cook Inlet and described the situation as \"dire\" despite recent unseasonably warm conditions. \"Star is pointing out that when the weather gets cold, they're gonna need that gas. And to have that withheld by Hillcorp, that's what the lawsuit's about,\" Giesel said.

Nut graf: Lawmakers said they are watching litigation over gas storage and infrastructure in Cook Inlet and are encouraged by private efforts to drill more wells and secure use of a jackup rig, but they also noted the region needs additional rig access and exploration.

Giesel said HexFury secured use of the HillCorp‑owned jackup rig — the only one in Cook Inlet — to drill a well, and that the Kenai unit (described as underexplored) could yield additional gas if more rig access and drilling occur. \"The more access to a jackup rig there could potentially turn up yet more gas in Cook Inlet,\" she said.

Senators said the litigation and production constraints underscore the need for infrastructure access and regulatory clarity as the state monitors supply risks for Southcentral communities.

Ending: Senators said they will continue oversight and hearings on Cook Inlet as lawsuits and drilling activity proceed, and will monitor implications for regional gas availability.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Majority Press Availability - January 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senators said Cook Inlet gas supply is 'dire' when demand falls and winter cold starts, noting an existing lawsuit and efforts by private companies to drill new wells; lawmakers pointed to the need for additional drilling rigs and access.","taxTitle","Senate, Committees, Legislative, Alaska","taxId",16085,"location","Alaska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359027,"Senators outline budget gap and point to possible revenue options including oil tax changes",116,754565,870950,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d&start=754&end=870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d/thumbnail_754565.jpg","/articles/6359027/Alaska/Senators-outline-budget-gap-and-point-to-possible-revenue-options-including-oil-tax-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359027-7ac897e759f23ffdb623c3622c60984a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412711&Signature=Fz5wY3y-8N4AkFP7oz~45ppFbkQkXXas5sF~6U8RZ5it28wGlUI5-5MVr24551w7P1IW8pVJlLIdmzZQ4cXfLYrEQdWB~EcQFAGt3k3P99SzuDCkkQrCO3AeY1CR24K6ZyxihdBKBf9UKU1wOdgO1AaPBVNmDLqOj72IIWgCOxExGeaHoxWYceh-lO7Ai7veXjL3Jx~vvdpVQGOtONJmW8zXABxkT-~ht41ufKI57Cku0NJduzTuVa7X5OOAlCcsjwzlAYFB6tCF9csXFBtAQrdRnGHoZsIZEmYe1xAF7ohqYTWN5Hhxme1b8~uhi5s2Q2uKtkzwgVpkjvbmj3feTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate leaders said this session will prioritize education but warned it must be paired with a credible plan to pay for increases amid a large projected deficit.

Senator Malakowski summarized analyses showing a roughly $250 million shortfall under one scenario and warned other fiscal notes and maintenance costs could push the gap toward $300–$400 million. \"You're realistically probably looking at a 33 to $400,000,000 deficit with the $680 BSA,\" he said.

Nut graf: Senators described a significant budget gap and discussed revenue options including adjustments to oil tax credits, corporate tax changes, and modest internet tax measures — but said progress depends in part on the governor's willingness to support new revenue.

Senator Giesel and others pointed to several potential revenue sources: changing the structure of oil tax credits and addressing special tax treatment for certain producers; reducing an $8‑per‑barrel tax credit that independent analysis suggested could be trimmed without economic harm; and pursuing internet‑sales tax measures that could raise $20–$50 million.

Senators emphasized constraints on drawing down the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) and the unwillingness, they said, of many members to overdraw the Permanent Fund to cover recurring costs. \"There's not a desire to use the CBR because we have a very limited savings,\" Malakowski said.

Senators said they would welcome the governor's plan for how to fund priorities. \"We would all really like to hear...how are we gonna pay for these things?\" Malakowski said, noting the governor had earlier proposed approximately a $200 million increase in education funding.

Ending: Lawmakers said they expect debate this session over tax structure and revenue; any concrete proposals will depend on budget committee work and the governor's position, which senators said will shape the legislature's appetite for new revenue.","Senators said the Senate and House agree education is top priority but face a multihundred‑million dollar shortfall. Lawmakers discussed options such as modifying oil tax credits, revising corporate tax treatment and limited internet tax proposals while noting the governor's stance will shape action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359031,"Senate to fast-track elections bills; committee to consider ballot‑curing, registration and audits",1376,236410,1613190,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d&start=236&end=1613","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d/thumbnail_236410.jpg","/articles/6359031/Alaska/Senate-to-fast-track-elections-bills-committee-to-consider-ballotcuring-registration-and-audits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359031-e74e5c4463ef2ac78d47232dc644a77f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412711&Signature=N20GIYe1d54uC7uIUVZUVHjeC-RSNWAD-5euUj5mPE1QMPcJD5MQ-nWvWk6rEKil4O~hFoL1TrYQj3~~ZO~gSW3hr-SDU9Jdoxkv7-ujKwTTSQNCOVhkt~4SM1VSbGRLl9Jju7KK6KREMkQDIN0eR4uA-JcOqoOQBXbkkav1LkdCw~tW-TT8yS4popd44DxU6fCnxmRR6OYEZcCkxuNJe18tPjxA~LAn-APNrCshi0LjP3SvPwVrQHcdoTDwGS2naaqGUItUMqsMWtQzxtJt5MXUUpOGvMsZYmqLtnoxPBGKi1CZ7F2d-rQ3fLJK5sS0emIq8tHtyvXLkOOpzw~3Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate State Affairs Committee Chair Senator Kawasaki told reporters in Juneau the committee will begin hearings this Thursday on two elections bills: one from the governor and one from the Senate Rules Committee.

Kawasaki said both measures include similar elements such as a ballot‑curing process, data protection notifications and cyber‑security requirements for the Division of Elections. \"Many of the elements are similar and the same...we have in the bill from rules a ballot curing process,\" Kawasaki said.

Nut graf: Lawmakers said they want to reduce disenfranchisement by allowing voters to correct common errors on mailed ballots, improve registration accuracy and require post‑election risk‑limiting audits.

Kawasaki described ballot curing as a practice used in about 30 other states that lets election officials confirm whether a voter who made a mistake intended to vote rather than discarding the ballot. She said the bills also propose registration checks against annual Permanent Fund Dividend filings and risk‑limiting audits to improve result confidence.

Senator Lukowski and others said a recent court verdict involving ballot curing does not remove the perceived need for statutory reform. \"The court said they're not entitled to it, but if the legislature were to do something we could have it,\" a senator said, arguing for a statutory fix so individual voters would have the same cure rights that had been allowed for ballot initiatives.

Senators said the goal is faster, more secure and more inclusive election operations and to give the Division of Elections clearer statutory authority to cure individual ballots. They also cited interest in ensuring timely results and protecting against cyber threats.

Ending: Senator Kawasaki said the Senate aims to move the bills quickly so the House can take them up and newly seated members can review the changes this session.","Senate State Affairs Chair Senator Kawasaki said the committee will quickly hear both the governor's elections bill and a Senate Rules Committee bill that include ballot‑curing, data protection, registration changes and risk‑limiting audits.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359036,"Alaska senators warn federal funding pause could jeopardize school programs and services",1025,424165,1449264,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d&start=424&end=1449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2209069-938228d8d0f8965cbfc7f599e7b6827d/thumbnail_424165.jpg","/articles/6359036/Alaska/Alaska-senators-warn-federal-funding-pause-could-jeopardize-school-programs-and-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359036-fc04f296b9b3ea85641a3b496ae4fc60/orig.mp4?Expires=1775412711&Signature=kwgrPOFmAN2i0z-bkGnGoY-HLy53CalEUyrweEnPIY4PU0o-bhR4c5JbLCb~JJuE4Qaq4I7o-aCw0ehi2wmYfbAkph5EBFiiTKfE54RXY0lYrJBwQQlyYuv9akuBmnQ0IVSRV2kd~2caDJ8l2V1z8AZWekC28jg-n6D-BknjEJoyVWmL1PyG0~iknXcpCCUA4YmaCFBjuUi-ir65f75wlShXi9DpicxHOTQCHY~7qU6GNPL29Z~I-g1FJKp-qxjOZDW2l0TBYvQ0au6evHSGuv6VLRtGbzxB5wo9yyozf32oLepnNSDnp5gn1sNU3hNLv3~bi6nua~widpnkydpm5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Tuesday press availability in Juneau, Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Tobin said Alaskans should be \"deeply concerned\" about a federal pause on grant funding and the possible effects on schools and related services.

The warning came as senators discussed education funding as their top legislative priority and the uncertainty created by a temporary federal freeze on certain grants. \"Students receive not only those federal dollars for Title I, II and III, but they also receive resources for after-school programming, for before-school care, to ensure that they have backpacks and are able to get medical access and services if they have socioeconomic need,\" Senator Tobin said.

Nut graf: Senate leaders said they intend to prioritize stable, predictable education funding this session but said a federal pause on discretionary grants — and uncertainty about which programs are affected — could undermine local school programs that rely on federal support.

Senator Tobin said federal dollars support a range of services beyond classroom basic aid, and that even a short interruption could cause nonprofit providers, school districts and programs to miss payroll or pause services. \"There are many nonprofits and organizations across the state that depend on resources each week to pay their payroll,\" she said.

Other senators at the availability amplified that concern. Senator Willikowski described the situation as \"a five-alarm fire,\" noting Alaska's high per-capita reliance on federal funding and the potential for near-term disruption to transportation, permitting and infrastructure work. Senator Malakowski said the state needs a clear plan for how to pay for education increases and stressed that federal uncertainty complicates those calculations.

Senator Harte Tubman cited a then-recent Associated Press report that a federal judge had temporarily paused the freeze until Monday, saying the development provided more time to assess impacts. Tubman listed discretionary programs that could be affected, naming McKinney-Vento homeless education support and federal literacy grants as examples of funds that could be at risk.

Senators said they have reached out to the U.S. Department of Education and expect additional information this week to clarify which grants are on pause and what immediate steps districts should take. They also urged the governor and Alaska's congressional delegation to advocate for restoration or protection of funds that the state depends on.

The senators emphasized that state lawmakers remain committed to advancing an education funding proposal but said the fiscal picture is constrained by state revenue shortfalls and uncertainty around federal support. They said the legislature will continue hearings and stakeholder engagement to refine proposals for stable funding.

Ending: Senate leaders said they will continue weekly press availabilities and expected to press the executive branch and federal partners for details while pursuing state-level budgeting work on education this session.","At a Senate press availability in Juneau, Senate Education Committee chair Senator Tobin and other members said a temporary federal pause on grants could disrupt Title I and discretionary education programs, and called on the governor and congressional delegation to press for clarity and restoration of funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senators express concern about Cook Inlet gas supplies, point to lawsuit and drilling activity

Senators outline budget gap and point to possible revenue options including oil tax changes

Senate to fast-track elections bills; committee to consider ballot‑curing, registration and audits

Alaska senators warn federal funding pause could jeopardize school programs and services