Coming off an acrimonious year when legislators spent the longest time in session in state history, the 32nd Alaska Legislature started its second regular session on Tuesday afternoon.
JUNEAU, Alaska -
Alaska is set to receive billions of dollars in federal infrastructure funding over the next few years which could see a much larger capital budget than has been approved in recent years. A question for legislators, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy, is who gets to decide how that money is spent. Begich said his priorities with that infrastructure spending is ensuring that federal money is spent in the “least political manner as possible” and that it’s used to improve the lives, health and safety of Alaskans.
Members of the House Republican minority caucus withheld key votes on the budget’s effective date, demanding progress to enact a fiscal plan. Rep. Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla, said she guessed that may not be an issue again as the House and Senate Finance Committee co-chairs could organize passing a budget early to avoid another showdown.
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