Alaska House’s budget roadshow begins next Saturday

JUNEAU — Alaskans who have opinions about the state budget will have a chance to share what they think with lawmakers in person at a series of House Finance Committee meetings next weekend.

The committee announced its schedule late Thursday, after Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, told reporters that lawmakers would launch a series of in-session field hearings.

The events have been criticized as wasteful by members of the House minority. Members of the coalition House majority say they believe it is important to hear what the public wants from the budget.

At each of the hearings, members of the public can tell lawmakers what they think about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget proposal and whether they think lawmakers should accept that proposal or make modifications — and if they want modifications, what kind.

Some of the precise locations have not yet been confirmed but will be announced in the coming week.

The schedule:

• Saturday, March 23, noon-3 p.m., Ketchikan, location TBA

• Saturday, March 23, 2-5 p.m., Wasilla, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Legislative Information Office, 600 E. Railroad Ave.

• Saturday, March 23, 2-5 p.m., Bethel, location TBA

• Saturday, March 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Soldotna Sports Center, 538 Arena Ave.

• Sunday, March 24, 2-5 p.m., Anchorage Legislative Information Office, 1500 W. Benson Blvd.

• Sunday, March 24, 2-5 p.m., Sitka, location TBA

• Sunday, March 24, 2-5 p.m., Fairbanks Legislative Information Office, 1292 Sadler Way, Suite 308