Lawmakers in the Alaska House continue to struggle to arrange leadership for the body, slowing legislative work to a halt at least till Wednesday. At that time, lawmakers will attempt to meet again to appoint leadership.
The House met for a floor session on Monday that lasted just 4 minutes. Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer, who is presiding currently till a speaker will be chosen, asked for Speaker Pro Tempore to be appointed. Meyer said, “Our only job today is to ask for nominations for speaker pro tempore of the house. The floor is now open for nominations for speaker pro tempore of the house. Nominations is the only thing I can do up here, I guess we could do another prayer, that might not hurt. It might help, actually. Do we have nominations? Nominations for temporary speaker of the house, Speaker Pro Tempore? Seeing and hearing no nominations.”
Rep. Steve Thompson representing Alaska’s District 2 then spoke up, “Mr. Lieutenant Governor, I move and ask unanimous consent that the House stand in adjournment until Wednesday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m.”
The House will meet again Wednesday to see if either the Democratic or Republican side has gained ground. Members failed to nominate a speaker pro tempore, which resulted in another 20-20 deadlock.
The Alaska Senate, however, is scheduled to begin hearing bills this week in committees.
(Transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.)
