State Senators gaveled into the Governor’s special session at 11 this morning, but not for long.
The floor session saw all but two of Alaska’s Senators and just thirty minutes into the meeting decided to adjourn the special session Sine Die, which means without any future date being designated.
Standing Senate Minority Leader Bill Wielechowski (D – Anchorage) objected to the motion.
Sen. Wielechowski: “First off I believe as stated previously that this convening of this group here in Anchorage violates the constitution, therefore any vote that we take here violates the constitution. Secondly, I would like to state the governor has issued a proclamation asking us to conduct business on three items: House Bill 44 which is Erin’s Law: sexual abuse, sexual assault and prevention programs; House Bill 148: Medicaid assistance coverage; and finally the operating budget. We have had very little work done on any of these bills Mr. President, we have not completed out job, we should not be adjourning this special session before we complete our job.”
Senate Majority Leader John Coghill(R – North Pole) defended the 11-3 vote to adjourn.
Sen. Coghill: “The bills being considered have been considered by both bodies, the action taken today, at this point, is to tell the governor that no action is the action at this point. For the budget consideration the governor has vetoed the budget, has delivered to us his amended version, giving us very little time for us to consider it throughout the remainder of his call. It would be wise for us to call here.”
The House is expected to follow suit this afternoon.