Alaska Legislature

The budget draft issued by Gov. Mike Dunleavy includes a preliminary funding plan for maintaining or improving the state’s infrastructure.

Opponents raised concerns that the metal detector and X-ray screening would be overly burdensome for visitors.

Rep.-elect Elexie Moore was confirmed as winning the closest legislative race this year after Monday’s recount by the Alaska Division of Elections.

The Alaska House GOP announced the formation of a minority caucus that is expected to serve as a counterweight to the bipartisan majority.

The Alaska Public Offices Commission could take up the matters at its Jan. 16 meeting.

The minority is expected to oppose policy priorities sought by Senate majority leaders, including public pension reform.

The newly aligned Alaska House and Senate could increase the chances of more of their priority legislation becoming law.

State Rep. David Eastman is suing Gov. Mike Dunleavy over the adoption of a bill related to multiple subject areas.

Twenty-one out of 40 state House seats are set to filled by women.

Over 46,000 Alaska ballots were counted on Tuesday and Wednesday, with tens of thousands still to be counted.

Tens of thousands of ballots are still to be counted, and several races are too close to call.

House and Senate leaders said early results were promising for bipartisan coalitions that focus on education funding and public retirement reform.

House District 36 leans Republican, but two Republican candidates are vying for office against one Democrat.

One Anchorage resident has spent $186,000 on Alaska’s legislative races this year.

Republicans have largely been unwilling to serve in a caucus with Eastman, arguing that he’s an obstructionist and likely to attack and deride his GOP colleagues.

Infrastructure needs and road congestion are hot topics for candidates in a region that has been transformed by rapid population growth.

Progressive and moderate candidates continue to draw more spending than conservative Republicans.

Incumbent Bjorkman had a four-point advantage over Carpenter in the primary — Wegener trailed with 12% of the vote.

A freshman lawmaker from Bethel faces a tough challenge from a first-time candidate from an outlying village in a race affected by divisions over a controversial mine.

A retirement overhaul could have far-reaching consequences for tens of thousands of state employees and their families, and many say it could help address the state’s challenges in recruiting and keeping employees in key sectors. Opponents say it could saddle the state with an unmanageable financial commitment.

The election bill would have removed a requirement for a witness signature on absentee ballots.

Of the $4.4 million in funds raised by candidates this year, $2.8 million has gone to candidates who support bipartisan coalitions.

A possible legal snag has put Rep. Tom McKay’s plans on hold, at least temporarily.