This ensures that the mostly Republican Senate majority will have at least one Democrat for the seventh straight year.
Andrew Kitchenman
State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO
State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.
Gov. Dunleavy says he’s open to working with President Biden but will oppose blocking development
Dunleavy said that he plans to have a dialog with Biden administration officials, but if he sees a consistent pattern of opposition, the governor will “use whatever tools are necessary” to fight back.
On first day of Alaska legislative session, Senate organizes while House deadlocks
The Senate Republicans formed a majority caucus during the last hour before the first floor session, leaving the party in control of the chamber for the ninth straight year. Just like two years ago, the House is evenly split and without a leader.
Dunleavy appoints Ed Sniffen as attorney general, pending lawmakers’ approval
Sniffen had filled the position in an acting capacity since former Attorney General Kevin Clarkson resigned in August.
Proposal would allow Alaska lawmakers to vote remotely this session
The new system would allow lawmakers to vote from the regional legislative information offices, or from their homes if they are quarantined or isolated.
Despite warnings of violence, no one showed up to protest at Alaska’s Capitol, armed or otherwise
It was a quiet day outside of the Capitol, where it rained through most of the afternoon. It also was quiet inside the Capitol, where lawmakers were meeting in small groups as they attempted to form majority caucuses in both chambers.