Skip to content

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.

Members Public

There's very little certainty in Dunleavy's budget plan

With a lot of rosy assumptions about politics and oil production, legislators would be left holding the check if things don't pan out just right.

There's very little certainty in Dunleavy's budget plan
Members Public

‘We don’t have a crystal ball,’ Dunleavy team admits when pressed on budget plan

The Dunleavy administration argues the state can have a big ol' dividend with minimal budget changes. Just don't look behind the curtain.

‘We don’t have a crystal ball,’ Dunleavy team admits when pressed on budget plan
Members Public

Permanent Fund spending limit 'merely a guideline,' argues Dunleavy administration

The House Judiciary Committee delved into the legality of breaking the spending limit on the Alaska Permanent Fund as they're making the case for big dividends and overdraws.

Permanent Fund spending limit 'merely a guideline,' argues Dunleavy administration
Members Public

'Total frustration' as Legislature's budget battle to drag on past Memorial Day

It turns out those hopes were like the Legislature's perfunctory attempts to meet the 90-day session limit set by voters.

'Total frustration' as Legislature's budget battle to drag on past Memorial Day
Members Public

Something doesn't add up with Dunleavy's dividend plan

While everybody else has been straining to make the numbers work, Dunleavy's proposal is a pain-free path to big dividends.

Something doesn't add up with Dunleavy's dividend plan
Members Public

The pandemic takes a turn toward personal responsibility

Alaska's covid-19 deaths are solely among the unvaccinated.

The pandemic takes a turn toward personal responsibility
Members Public

Like it or not, the $2,300 PFD is a major turning point

Though whether it’s a turning point for the better or the far worse has yet to be seen.

Like it or not, the $2,300 PFD is a major turning point
Members Public

$2,300 PFD and a $1.5 billion overdraw

Late night, big consequences.

$2,300 PFD and a $1.5 billion overdraw
Members Public

The best laid plans of budgets and transparency

It's the final* day.

The best laid plans of budgets and transparency
Members Public

An ignoble end to session

Even by recent standards, this legislative session has been underwhelming.

An ignoble end to session