House floor debate on state operating budget continues for third day

Alaska House lawmakers are on their third day of floor debate on the state’s operating budget.

They’ve taken up more than 70 amendments, mostly offered by Republicans in the minority caucus. They voted down all but three amendments so far.

At a press availability Thursday morning, House Minority Leader Charisse Millett said the debate is going smoothly.

Rep. Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, debates an amendment to the state operating budget from the House floor on March 14, 2017.
Rep. Charisse Millett, R-Anchorage, debates an amendment to the state operating budget from the House floor last year. This year, her minority caucus has offered about 80 budget amendments. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

“We’ve offered about 80 amendments this year,” the Anchorage Republican said. “We’re working through those in very good fashion with the House Democrats. Unfortunately, they’re not accepting any of our amendments. And that’s OK, the conversation is still good for Alaskans to hear and to understand our ideas on how we can reduce the size and footprint of government.”

Floor debate on the operating budget is expected to continue Thursday afternoon. Eventually, the budget bill will go to the Senate for deliberations.

You can tune into Gavel Alaska’s live coverage on 360 North television, 360North.org and Gavel Alaska’s Facebook page.

Jeremy Hsieh

Local News Reporter, KTOO

I dig into questions about the forces and institutions that shape Juneau, big and small, delightful and outrageous. What stirs you up about how Juneau is built and how the city works?

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