Banned from the Capitol, Alaska lobbyists contend with pandemic predicament
They’re paid for access to and intelligence on what’s happening in the Capitol — but for now, they’re not allowed in the building.
They’re paid for access to and intelligence on what’s happening in the Capitol — but for now, they’re not allowed in the building.
The measure’s author said it’s aimed at improving election security, but one Fairbanks lawmaker called it “a voter suppression bill, plain and simple.”
The Senate’s new majority includes 13 Republicans and a single Democrat.
Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, received a unanimous vote on the Senate floor after months of negotiations.
The state House and state Senate are on track to convene Tuesday — straight into a deadlock.
The legislative session starts Jan. 19 with no public allowed in the building and a lot of plexiglass.
Alaska State Troopers, local police and Capitol security are wary of armed demonstrations.
Few of these bills might become law, but they represent a first glimpse at lawmakers’ goals over the next two years.
Legislators had sued the governor, questioning whether 94 executive-branch appointments are serving legally.
Rep.-elect Liz Snyder is flying to Juneau on Saturday ahead of the new legislative session.
The court did not immediately rule after hearing arguments Friday, 11 days before the next Legislature is set to convene.
Senators, also leaderless, are more optimistic about their prospects.
A Superior Court judge said Tuesday she found no flaws with the count in the race between incumbent Republican state Rep. Lance Pruitt and Democratic challenger Liz Snyder.
Some legislators doubt whether the rules have legal weight unless they’re approved by the new Legislature.
Lawmakers say that actions by unconfirmed appointees, including Wednesday’s vote on ANWR oil leases, could be illegal.
Oil revenue is less important to Alaska today than it was in 1961.
Dunleavy’s office said his appointees would be submitted at the start of the upcoming session and “will continue to serve until the lawmakers meet in joint session for the purpose of a confirmation vote.”
An investigation found problems with the Anchorage Republican’s financial record keeping during his 2016 and 2018 campaigns.
Dunleavy’s budget calls for a $1,916 payment in the spring and a $3,000 fall payment — but digs deep into the Permanent Fund to pay for it.
The lawsuit asks for some ballots to be tossed out or for a new election in Anchorage’s House District 27.