For the 17th day running, the Alaska House of Representatives remained stalled and unorganized, unable to begin legislative work. Representatives met for less than five minutes Wednesday, adjourning until the next morning.
This same basic process has played out almost every day of the session in the House, the only break coming when members unanimously elected Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiaġvik, as speaker pro tem.
But that position holds no real power and can only call for nominations for a permanent speaker. Every candidate that has been put forward by members has been met with an even 20-20 vote between House Republicans and a group of mostly Democrats, three independents and one Republican calling themselves the House Coalition.
[State House picks temporary speaker]
Those members made up a multi-party majority in the last Legislature with Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, as speaker but this year not enough Republicans have committed to caucusing with Democrats. Without a speaker, representatives can’t form committees which are needed to further legislation.
The Senate was able to organize on the first day of the Legislature and has been hearing bills in their committees, but without the other body their work will eventually stall. The deadline to extend the state’s emergency declaration, which health experts and local leaders have asked for, is Monday, Feb. 15. The City and Borough of Juneau is already preparing for that declaration to lapse.
[With deadline looming, some say disaster order no longer needed]
“We’re busy as little bees, Mr. President, but there’s something missing,” said Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, speaking to Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, on the Senate floor Wednesday. “We cannot legislate with our friends down the hall.”
Organizing 40 members is more difficult, Stevens said, and his intent with his remarks was not to blame House representatives nor rush them.
“There are different cultures in the body, they delight in nothing more than throwing an amendment into the middle of the floor, like throwing a hand grenade. Brief at eases that are rarely brief, often leading to midnight sessions and unending debate,” he said. “The message to the other body is we are patiently waiting for you. Come home soon.
• Contact reporter Peter Segall at psegall@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SegallJnuEmpire.
