JUNEAU, Alaska — House Speaker Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski) took the floor during Thursday's session and declared that lawmakers "will not be bullied" into action by the Senate on the capital budget.
He said House members shouldn't have to vote on the nearly $2.9 billion spending plan until they've taken the time to conduct a thorough review.
The budget is still in the Senate Finance Committee and the legislative session is scheduled to end on Sunday.
"I'm ready to leave at the end of the 90 days without a capital budget," Chenault said.
The rare floor speech stems from growing concerns that the House of Representatives won't have adequate time to examine the spending bill.
"They’re sort of squeezing out our ability to do anything at all on the budget," said Rep. Mike Doogan (D-Anchorage).
The legislation would repair roads, build schools, and spur energy projects; and still needs a Senate floor vote, House committee hearings, and a floor vote in the House before it can go to the Governor's desk.
