The Governor’s office sent a message this morning, clarifying that Walker has not given lawmakers approval or “permission” to meet in Anchorage.
Governor Walker’s original special session call specified that the budget was to be completed in the state’s capital, but with construction work underway in Juneau, the House and Senate majorities agreed it would be best to meet in Anchorage.
Nikiski’s Speaker Mike Chenault…
Speaker Chenault(R-Nikiski): “The Chambers are tore apart, there’s guys working around the building in HAZMAT suits and a lot of banging and clanging going on. They’re retrofitting the Capitol building with new earthquake measures to keep the building form falling down in case of an earthquake. The city of Juneau has tried to find us offices, but trying to get 60 offices that are set up with phones and computers and 95% of everyone has to fly through Anchorage to get to Juneau, so in this case, it makes sense.”
Walker’s Press Secretary Grace Jang said the Governor’s top priority is for the Legislature to “finish their work to pass a fully funded budget,” but stated Walker is “concerned that any official action the legislature takes outside the capital city could result in a court challenge.”
Doug Gardner, Director of the Legislature’s Legal Services, wrote in a memo that any votes taken in Anchorage might not stand since they are outside the parameters of the Governor’s call.
Lawmakers may now gavel out of the Governor’s session in Juneau and call one of their own in Anchorage to satisfy legal requirements.
