Alaska Legislature Faces More Time As Session Deadline Looms

Author: Associated Press |

Wednesday marked a constitutional deadline for Alaska lawmakers to end their regular session. But with a budget and plan for addressing Alaska’s multibillion-dollar deficit unresolved, more time is needed.

 

Options include extending for another 10 days, which requires two-thirds support in each chamber, or looking to Gov. Bill Walker to call a special session.

 

House Minority Leader Charisse Millett said Tuesday that her caucus was not inclined to support a 10-day extension. She said the House majority, during the already extended session, had failed to stay focused on the budget and a fiscal solution.

 

The House and Senate also remain at odds over oil tax and credit policy. While there’s general agreement about ending cashable tax credits, House majority members have favored additional tax changes.