Alaska Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Alaska Retirement Readiness Legislation Advocates for Secure Futures

Juneau, Alaska – AARP is pushing for legislative changes in Alaska to ensure residents have better retirement options. With a focus on both public and private sectors, Senators Cathy Giessel and Bill Wielechowski are championing bills aimed at improving retirement readiness across the state. The goal of AARP is to empower individuals to have more control over their lives as they grow older, emphasizing the importance of financial stability in retirement. While Social Security remains …

Health care bill legalizing subscription-based care passes Alaska Legislature, awaits governor’s signature

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Legislature recently passed a bill that could revolutionize healthcare in the state. The bill allows for subscription-based health care, a concept that resembles a gym membership but for primary care services. This approach, known as direct health agreements, offers patients access to healthcare services without involving insurance companies. Conservative groups, including the Alaska Policy Forum, have long advocated for this move, arguing that it could help reduce healthcare costs in …

Health Care Approaches in Alaska Shift Towards Gym Membership Style Subscriptions

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 45, a groundbreaking healthcare initiative likened to a gym membership. The bill, which allows for direct health agreements in the state, aims to revolutionize the way Alaskans access basic healthcare services. With a vote of 28-12 in the state House, Senate Bill 45 was approved, clarifying that these direct care agreements are not considered insurance and therefore cannot be regulated as such. This move is …

Alaska House Considers Bill to Legalize Subscription-Based Access to Medical Providers

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that could legalize subscription-based access to medical providers, a move that has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Direct health care agreements, which allow patients to pay a monthly subscription fee for specified medical care, are seen as a potential alternative to traditional health insurance. Supporters argue that these agreements could improve access to care …

Alaska Supreme Court Protects Privacy: Warrants Required for Aerial Surveillance

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking ruling on Friday that law enforcement officials must obtain a warrant before conducting aerial searches using aircraft and equipment such as binoculars or cameras with zoom lenses around residential areas. The decision highlights the importance of protecting citizens’ privacy rights in the state. The court’s decision stemmed from a case dating back to 2012, where Alaska State Troopers received a tip alleging marijuana cultivation on …

Guilty Verdict for South African Man in Alaska Murder Case of Native Women

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A South African man, originally from Anchorage, Alaska has been convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of an Alaska Native woman. Brian Steven Smith, 52, was found guilty on all 14 charges, including the deaths of Kathleen Henry in 2019 and Veronica Abouchuk in 2018 or 2019. Smith not only recorded the violent acts but also narrated as he recorded a video of her dying. The jury’s verdict came after hearing …

Teacher Shortage Crisis Grips Remote Alaska Village Due to Lack of Pensions and Rising Costs

JUNEAU, Alaska – Cory Hughes, a teacher in a remote Alaska village, faces the harsh reality that he may not be able to afford retiring there due to the state’s lack of pension plans for educators. Despite his love for the community and its unique way of life, the financial strain may force him to leave sooner rather than later. The current lack of long-term planning in Alaska’s school system is a topic of concern …

Alaska Senate Advances Legislation Aimed at Reestablishing Public Sector Pension

Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska Senate took a significant step on Wednesday in addressing the state’s struggle with recruiting and retaining public employees and teachers by advancing legislation to reestablish a public-sector pension. The bill, known as Senate Bill 88, aims to provide predictable retirement payments to tens of thousands of state and municipal workers and teachers. The move comes as Alaska faces challenges with filling state jobs, with around one in seven positions currently …

Alaska House Resolution Calls for Repeal of WEP and GPO

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Alaska House is considering a resolution calling for the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) in an effort to address the state’s high percentage of beneficiaries affected by these provisions. Introduced by Rep. Alyse Galvin (I-Anchorage) on Jan. 22, 2024, House Joint Resolution 18 comes as Alaska seeks to mitigate the negative impact of WEP and GPO on public employees and teachers in the …