Alaska lawmakers facing pressure as shutdown threat looms

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — After months of at-times bitter entrenchment, Alaska legislators faced growing pressure to resolve their differences, with days left in the special session and the threat of a government shutdown looming.

Friday marks the end of the special session called by Gov. Bill Walker to address the budget and a plan for Alaska's multibillion-dollar deficit. Deep philosophical divides stalled progress during the preceding four-month extended regular session.

With the start of the new fiscal year just over two weeks away, talks have turned to the budget and efforts to avoid a shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Peter Micciche said Tuesday the Republican-led Senate is willing to back off some of its priorities, like a spending limit, to pass a budget. The impacts of a shutdown would be dramatic, coming during the fishing and tourism seasons, he said.

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