Optimism for 90-day Alaska legislative session begins to fade

The optimism that this year would be different than the previous three is starting to wear off just four weeks into the legislative session.

Most legislators are still saying, at least publicly, that they are confident this year's work can be done in 90 days and not drag into June or July as has become the norm during the continuous political battle over how to fix the state's multibillion-dollar deficits.

However, Democrat House Speaker Rep. Bryce Edgmon said he is predicting more of the same ahead given unwavering opposition from Senate Republicans to his caucus' proposed budget fixes.

"I see more gridlock and I see more stalemate coming up," Edgmon said during a Feb. 13 press briefing.

Read more: https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2018/02/17/optimism-for-90-day-alaska-legislative-session-begins-to-fade/