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Matt Acuña Buxton

Matt is a longtime journalist and longtime nerd for Alaska politics and policy. Alaska became his home in 2011, and he's covered the Legislature and more in newspapers, live threads and blogs.

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Dunleavy has killed the BSA

A precedent-breaking veto means the state's baseline public school funding is no longer a reliable baseline for schools to depend upon.

Dunleavy has killed the BSA
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Legislators hold firm, override Dunleavy's veto and adjourn

"A day early and before midnight."

Legislators hold firm, override Dunleavy's veto and adjourn
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Dunleavy says he had a 'moral imperative' to kill school funding bill

Dunleavy, as he reminded everyone several times throughout the hearing, knows best because he was once a teacher.

Dunleavy says he had a 'moral imperative' to kill school funding bill
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Small victories, setbacks and rampant uncertainty define this year's session

Big changes are coming for the state, and the biggest one will be a change in governor after the 2026 election.

Small victories, setbacks and rampant uncertainty define this year's session
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Legislators unanimously reject Dunleavy appointee with 'particularly disqualifying' views

Tales from the joint confirmation session.

Legislators unanimously reject Dunleavy appointee with 'particularly disqualifying' views
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Dunleavy prepares to slash public school funding in fight for half-baked policies

But leave it to Dunleavy to kill a unicorn.

Dunleavy prepares to slash public school funding in fight for half-baked policies
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Oversight bill seeks to address 'serious and ongoing problem' with oil tax transparency

The Dunleavy administration's secrecy has created a troubling blind spot where legislators cannot say for sure that Alaska is getting what it rightfully should.

Oversight bill seeks to address 'serious and ongoing problem' with oil tax transparency
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Legislators salvage an education bill as the clock ticks down on the session

As the final days of the session approach, hopes give way to what's doable.

Legislators salvage an education bill as the clock ticks down on the session
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19-1

Just when things looked doomed in the wake of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s school veto standing, the Senate reached and passed a breakthrough deal that ostensibly addresses the two main complaints around funding schools: It has policy and a way to pay for it.

19-1
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33-27

A lot can change in a few months, and even more can change in a year.

33-27