Justin Mills
Public Testifier
9 articles
Affiliations
Some Alaskans who used Acima rent-to-own deals will get money back or balances cut
“Acima took advantage of folks who were just trying to make buying furniture and other big-ticket purchases a little easier”

Anchorage keeps funding a $5 million median barrier on 5th Avenue
An Anchorage committee kept funding a $5 million median barrier on 5th Avenue, over an objection that the decade-old crash data doesn't justify it.

Anchorage Assembly ordinance restores parking permit rule its planning commission voted 8-0 to cut
Anchorage's planning commission voted unanimously to drop a parking lot restriction. The Assembly sponsors put it back in and will take it up Oct. 20.

Anchorage keeps blowing past overtime budgets stuck on a 2010 baseline
Anchorage's police, fire and transit overtime again ran over budget, largely because the budgeted amounts still rest on an unadjusted 2010 baseline.

Anchorage police and fire overtime budgets built on 2010 math, OMB says
Anchorage police and fire overtime budgets are running millions over approved limits because the city has not updated the math since roughly 2010, OMB told the Assembly on Thursday.

Anchorage city funds carry $45 million in deficits — biggest two still growing
Anchorage owes itself $45M across five funds. The city skipped some accounting reviews; now they're catching up.

Anchorage budget trade-off: schools OR general government, not both, may be coming
Anchorage Assembly: model schools OR general government — not both. A committee member said the underlying situation is a fiscal cliff.

Anchorage sees 28% drop in unsheltered homelessness as shelters reach capacity
Anchorage officials say there are fewer people sleeping unsheltered in Anchorage, but it was pretty cold all winter.

House Committee Hears Divided Testimony on Electronic Pull-Tab Bill
HB 386 would allow electronic pull-tabs on tablets for charitable gaming. • Operators warned the bill's costs could cut charity proceeds in half, especially in rural areas. • Manufacturers and veterans groups backed the change for revenue growth and accountability.