"Legislative Affairs Agency"

Lawmakers haven’t determined whether the apartments will be available to the public when the Legislature is not in session.

The draft included an ‘everything or nothing’ approach toward public comments.

“I feel positive and it’s nice to know that we’ve been able to work together,” Alaska House Speaker Louise Stutes said. “And it appears that the resolution is just right there on the horizon.” 

The Capitol workers are considered eligible because they are essential workers who work in a congregate setting. 

The Legislature requires that everyone who works in the Capitol — including all legislators, staff members and news reporters — undergo rapid tests for the coronavirus every four or five days. 

Alaska lawmakers who each year relocate to a capital city accessible only by plane or boat are facing challenges in getting settled ahead of what is expected to be a difficult legislative session overshadowed by COVID-19.

After a nonexistent tourism season, downtown hotels are especially looking forward to the arrival of lawmakers and the opportunity to make up some revenue. 

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office is considering sites in the Mat-Su Borough and elsewhere on the road system for a possible second special session, according to spokesperson Matt Shuckerow.

The nonpartisan Legislative Affairs Agency made a two-part proposal: the first part would close the Unalaska legislative information office; and the second part would have used the savings to keep the 22 other LIOs open on Friday afternoons when the Legislature is out of session.

Two news reporters have said Wilson held his cell phone between the legs of the staffer. Wilson called for an on-air apology from KTVA for its coverage of the incident.