Third major ratings agency downgrades Alaska credit

Credit ratings agencies have cited Alaska’s $3.8 billion budget deficit and ongoing legislative gridlock in downgrading the state’s credit. Lawmakers were unable to pass a budget in the constitutionally-mandated 121-day regular session, and are currently meeting in a special session called by Gov. Bill Walker. Construction on the Capitol building in Juneau (shown here on May 24, 2016) has forced that work into temporary quarters. Photo: Rachel Waldholz/APRNThe third major credit rati