Alaska Legislature

Hoffman has served in the state Capitol, representing Southwest Alaska, since 1987. As he prepares to leave office, he said he thinks the state’s biggest unresolved issue is the affordability of living in Alaska, particularly with regard to the cost of energy.

With oil prices low and likely to go lower, and uncertain federal revenue, senators say this year's budget is tight — and that next year's will be tighter.

The governor's counterproposal, announced along with his veto Thursday, would tie a smaller funding increase to policy changes.

The Alaska House of Representatives is backing the preservation of a multibillion-dollar federal aid program that subsidizes internet access for rural schools, clinics, and households.

The bill’s sponsor called it a “wonderful compromise.” It boosts the largest part of the state’s public school funding formula by $1,000.

Narrowed gaps between provider reimbursements and medical costs and an aging population with more health problems are expected cost drivers, lawmakers are told.

In Juneau and Washington D.C., legislators try to keep federal chaos at bay, one phone call and story at a time.

The comments, in his first address to state lawmakers, come as Alaskans reckon with the effects of President Trump’s broad efforts to cut government and consolidate his power.

Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel) spoke from his Juneau office with KYUK about what’s on his mind as the legislative session gets underway.

All six members of the caucus took to the stage during this year’s Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention in Anchorage.