ANCHORAGE — An Alaska judge dismissed a lawsuit that alleged the method by which the state dispersed its federal coronavirus funds was unconstitutional.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit, brought by Juneau resident Eric Forrer, was filed after a legislative panel, instead of the Alaska State Legislature, approved an aid plan authored by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit threatened to hamper aid distribution when first filed, the Anchorage Daily News reported. In response, the entire Legislature reconvened to vote in favor of the plan in May.<\/p>\n
The state has received roughly $1.5 billion from the federal government as a part of the program, $1.2 billion of which could be used freely at the state’s discretion.<\/p>\n
Under the plan, about half of the $1.2 billion will go to cities and boroughs, a quarter will fund the health-care sector and the last quarter is geared toward small businesses.<\/p>\n
Juneau Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg ruled Thursday in favor of the state after hearing opposing arguments. A written decision will soon follow. Pallenberg had previously declined to pause aid distributions while the lawsuit was pending.<\/p>\n
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.<\/p>\n
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