Alaska Legislature

Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, expresses his sadness about the effect the budget will have on his community during a Joint Session of Alaska Legislature at the Capitol on Thursday, July 11, 2019. A recount has affirmed Cohhill lost a tight primary race. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Recount affirms loss for state senator

He wishes winner the best.

Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, expresses his sadness about the effect the budget will have on his community during a Joint Session of Alaska Legislature at the Capitol on Thursday, July 11, 2019. A recount has affirmed Cohhill lost a tight primary race. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Primary results suggest likely Legislature leadership shakeup

Primary results suggest likely Legislature leadership shakeup

Senate president likely loses her primary.

Primary results suggest likely Legislature leadership shakeup
Lawmakers dive back into work

Lawmakers dive back into work

Things are moving fast.

Lawmakers dive back into work
Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speak at the Alaska Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, Wednesday. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Alaska lawmakers vow this year will be different than last year’s fiasco

Legislative leaders from all parties say they want to work together and finish on time.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, D-Anchorage, House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt, R-Anchorage, Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Senate President Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, speak at the Alaska Chamber’s Legislative Fly-In, Wednesday. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, looks on as Juneau Alaska Music Matters students from Glacier Valley School and singers from Sayéik: Gastineau Community School perform “Alaska’s Flag” on Tuesday.(Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Just getting started: House provides first day fireworks while Senate seeks shift in power

Legislative session starts with split votes and objections.

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, looks on as Juneau Alaska Music Matters students from Glacier Valley School and singers from Sayéik: Gastineau Community School perform “Alaska’s Flag” on Tuesday.(Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Rep. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, listens during a House floor session Sunday, July 21, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Divided House leads to ‘disappointing’ day

Thirty-three were present, 30 votes were needed.

Rep. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, listens during a House floor session Sunday, July 21, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
Capitol Live: House ‘Reverse sweep’ vote falls short

Capitol Live: House ‘Reverse sweep’ vote falls short

Live updates from the Capitol

Capitol Live: House ‘Reverse sweep’ vote falls short
Legislators use ‘symbolic’ vote to deliver verbal smackdown to vetoes

Legislators use ‘symbolic’ vote to deliver verbal smackdown to vetoes

The vote failed, but they said a lot.

Legislators use ‘symbolic’ vote to deliver verbal smackdown to vetoes
Capitol Live: Veto override vote fails

Capitol Live: Veto override vote fails

Live updates from inside the Capitol.

Capitol Live: Veto override vote fails
Even ‘right-leaning’ groups, bankers and builders are calling for an override

Even ‘right-leaning’ groups, bankers and builders are calling for an override

They had one message to the governor.

Even ‘right-leaning’ groups, bankers and builders are calling for an override
Senate Finance member Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, center, studies the FY20 Budget during a Senate Finance Committee meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, left, and Sen. Chris Birch, R-Anchorage, right, listen in the background. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Legislative finance director points out potential ‘nightmare’ scenario

Time to fear the sweeper?

Senate Finance member Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, center, studies the FY20 Budget during a Senate Finance Committee meeting at the Capitol on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, left, and Sen. Chris Birch, R-Anchorage, right, listen in the background. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Capitol Live: There may not be enough lawmakers in Juneau to override vetoes

Capitol Live: There may not be enough lawmakers in Juneau to override vetoes

Live updates from inside the Capitol.

Capitol Live: There may not be enough lawmakers in Juneau to override vetoes
Special session starts with a manic Monday

Special session starts with a manic Monday

All roads — and planes — may lead to Wednesday.

Special session starts with a manic Monday
Freshman legislators Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau; Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau; and Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau; reflected on what’s happened so far during a regular and special session and what they’re looking forward to working on next. (Michael Penn| Juneau Empire File)

Juneau legislators share highlights, expectations ahead of special session

There have been some highlights since January.

Freshman legislators Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau; Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau; and Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau; reflected on what’s happened so far during a regular and special session and what they’re looking forward to working on next. (Michael Penn| Juneau Empire File)
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen in 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: State’s budget climate puts value of Alaska’s higher education at risk

Thousands of students could be affected by a governor veto.

University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen in 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Long-running, high-profile Grussendorf sex abuse case comes to conclusion

Long-running, high-profile Grussendorf sex abuse case comes to conclusion

He was sentenced in court today.

Long-running, high-profile Grussendorf sex abuse case comes to conclusion
Live: Ferries take center stage at Story town hall

Live: Ferries take center stage at Story town hall

Freshman legislator talks about her first session.

Live: Ferries take center stage at Story town hall
Slow trickle of state jobs out of Juneau continues

Slow trickle of state jobs out of Juneau continues

Meanwhile, Anchorage is reaching peak.

Slow trickle of state jobs out of Juneau continues
Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, holds a town hall meeting at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Ferries, PFD dominate Juneau legislator’s town hall

Some ferry employees were in attendance.

Rep. Andi Story, D-Juneau, holds a town hall meeting at the Mendenhall Valley Public Library on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Legislators will collect pay despite not finishing budget on time

Legislators will collect pay despite not finishing budget on time

They’re reinterpreting a law from last year.

Legislators will collect pay despite not finishing budget on time