The Alaska Legislature has begun its new session, with big decisions ahead on state spending and tackling a multibillion-dollar budget deficit.
The House and Senate each got underway Tuesday afternoon. Each chamber is also down one member.
Democratic Rep. Dean Westlake resigned his seat last month after being accused of inappropriate behavior by female aides. Republican Sen. Mike Dunleavy resigned from his seat Monday to focus on running for governor.
Work continues on rewriting the Legislature’s policy on sexual and other workplace harassment.
Legislators this year will be required to attend training on sexual harassment prevention or risk facing a potential ethics complaint.
