Minority House Republicans are crying foul after the predominantly Democratic majority voted Thursday to shut down debate on amendments to Alaska’s operating budget.
The vote, which came four days into floor debate on the budget, would close debate on amendments by noon Friday.
House Speaker Bryce Edgmon defended the decision, saying the debate appeared poised to go “well into the future.”
He says there has been extensive committee debate on the budget and it’s time to move on to other issues, including work on a fiscal plan.
Minority Leader Charisse Millett objected to limited floor time for debate and the process so far. She says her caucus’ goal has been to reduce a budget they believe is still too large.
Majority leaders, meanwhile, say the budget reflects their caucus’ values.
