Alaska State Legislature convenes, elects leadership, sets key priorities | Homepage [Video]

On Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., the 34th Alaska State Legislature officially gaveled in, electing leadership and outlining key priorities for the session.

Republican Senator Gary Stevens of Kodiak was elected as Senate President, with Senator Cathy Giessel of Anchorage serving as Majority Leader and Senator Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat from Anchorage, as Rules Chair. The Majority’s leadership team also includes Senator Kelly Merrick as Majority Whip, while Senators Lyman Hoffman, Bert Stedman, and Donny Olson will chair the powerful Finance Committee.

The 14-member Senate Majority announced their top legislative priorities, focusing on public education funding, teacher and public employee retirement, election process updates, and energy challenges to ensure long-term sustainability and affordability.

Senate President Gary Stevens emphasized a commitment to bipartisan collaboration, saying it’s what Alaskans “want and deserve.” Majority Leader Cathy Giessel pointed to the importance of recruiting and retaining a strong workforce, and Senator Bill Wielechowski stressed the …