Alaska Legislature Alaska House sends disaster-relief bill to governor's desk

JUNEAU — Seventy-four days into the 31st Alaska Legislature, lawmakers have sent their first bill to Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

In a unanimous 32-0 vote Friday, the Alaska House of Representatives approved a measure appropriating $150.3 million in federal and state money for disaster relief following the Nov. 30 Southcentral earthquake and in preparation for this summer’s wildfire season. Eight members were excused absent. Nine million dollars had already been allocated; Friday’s vote increases that amount by $141.3 million.

It’s the first bill to pass both the House and Senate this year, though both bodies have passed joint nonbinding resolutions.

According to state officials, Alaska’s disaster relief fund will be empty by April 1, and Friday’s vote — which followed an 18-0 vote in the Alaska Senate on Monday — will refill that fund.

Read more: https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2019/03/29/alaska-house-sends-disaster-relief-bill-to-governors-desk/