Summary: After a fairly contentious night Tuesday, the Senate on Wednesday united behind the minting of a $1 dollar coin honoring Alaska Native civil rights activist Elizabeth Peratrovich. A pro-life rally will be held on the steps of the Capitol at noon. Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, invited his fellow senators to join the rally for what he called one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time.
The Elizabeth Pertrovich $1 coin. (Courtesy photo | U.S. Mint)
11:26 a.m.
The bill passes unanimously, 20-0.
11:24 a.m.
The Senate is voting to ask the U.S. Treasury to mint no less than 5 million Elizabeth Peratrovich one dollar coins. It would cost the state no money, the Senate Secretary says.
“Specialty coinage is a way to honor our past and our heritage,” Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks, tells the body. “(Peratovich’s) life stands in testimony that one person, speaking from the heart, change change the future of Alaska.”
[Elizabeth Peratrovich’s example still shines for young and old]
Almost all the senators raise their hands to be added as co-sponsors to the bill.
11:16 a.m.
Several bills requested by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office are being read out and referred to the appropriate committees. Several of the governor’s requested bills deal with state regulations concerning work certifications and land use.
11:05 a.m.
After a long delay Tuesday morning, several Republican senators were stripped of their committee assignments. Those senators claimed they were being punished for voting against last year’s budget and supporting a full Permanent Fund Dividend.
