It’s a relatively quiet during a special session last Monday in the state Capitol. time around. It’s the day before the The 2013 budget that Gov. Legislature gavels in for the Sean Parnell sent forward first time this year, and contains some items that have it’s a holiday to boot. proved controversial in the Much of the commotion from past, like $29 million to the Capitol hallways is help fund the Goose Creek coming from people tearing Correctional Center, and a down boxes used to move proposal to put a $350 supplies into lawmakers’ million bond for the Port of offices -- part of the last- Anchorage in front of Alaska minute preparation for the 90- voters. day session ahead. And then there's the issue Even though the state's 60 that's been getting perhaps lawmakers haven't begun their the most attention for the work in Juneau yet, some big upcoming legislative session: debates loom ahead: the proposal to reform Lawmakers have already filed Alaska's oil tax structure, 58 new proposed laws and known as Alaska's Clear and resolutions. Among them is a Equitable Share. The plan bill that would affect every proposed by Parnell passed in driver in the state who texts the House last year, but and drives. Some lawmakers likely faces a tougher battle are looking to fix what they in the Senate -- where the call a loophole in the law bill stalled. that was passed in 2008, On Tuesday, the House because a judge in Kenai said Republican Caucus will hold a the current law does not press briefing prior to actually ban texting while gaveling in later in the driving. afternoon. On Wednesday Lawmakers will also have to evening, Parnell is set to approve the state's budget deliver his State of the for next year -- something State address. that kept them deadlocked Email Jason Lamb
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