JUNEAU - An official says Alaska House staff will continue being paid while the House tries to organize.
Jessica Geary, with the Legislative Affairs Agency, says a letter signed by House members ensures staff can remain on the payroll until the House is organized to do business.
Thirty-nine members signed the letter supporting continued funding for session staff. Republican Sharon Jackson was appointed to the 40th seat but hadn't taken office.
The House lacks an organized majority and was warned by the Legislature’s human resources manager last week that a temporary staffing authorization was to expire the first day of session, which was Tuesday.
The letter signed by lawmakers also says Reps. Gabrielle LeDoux and Cathy Tilton would have to jointly approve hiring any additional staff. Their joint authority would expire once the House organizes.