House speaker says oil tax could drag out session

House Speaker Mike Chenault says it’s important the oil tax debate not drag on past the legislative session, so he’s willing to stay in Juneau until the work is done.

Monday is the 84th day of the 90-day session. The House has not yet received the Senate’s oil tax bill.

“I think it’s very important for Alaska’s future to resolve this tax issue, not drag it out over the summer, and also not to drag it out to next year or the following year,” Chenault told reporters Monday.

Work on the oil tax continues in Senate Finance Committee. Senate President Gary Stevens has said the Senate won’t be rushed on an issue of such great importance to Alaska’s economy.

Chenault today raised the potential for Gov. Sean Parnell to call lawmakers back if they don’t finish their work by Sunday.

Over the weekend, Senate Finance finished the $2.8 billion capital budget. While Chenault says the houses have determined the size of the budget, they haven’t discussed the projects. He says that will happen before the capital budget comes over from the Senate. He also expects the House to add about $300 million in projects to the budget.

Juneau’s share of the Senate version is nearly $56.5 million in state general funds, federal funds and general obligation bonds. The bonds would cover improvements to Glacier Highway from mile 4 to mile 6, and to Mendenhall Loop Road.

State general funds and federal receipts would cover Douglas Island Office Building renovation, State Office Building parking garage repair, and maintenance to a number of state buildings in Juneau.

Funds also are in the budget for LED lighting on Egan Drive, work on Aurora Harbor, and other Juneau road projects. The Senate version includes $49 million for SLAM – the new Alaska State Library, Archives, and Museum facility, considered a statewide project.

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