An infected person flew from Seattle to Anchorage earlier this month around the same time multiple flights were leaving for Southeast Alaska.

The first day always involves more pomp and circumstance than legislating, and this time was no exception — but senators offered some clues about the road ahead.

Senate Majority will Prioritize Education Funding, Retirement for Teachers and Public Employees, Energy, and Election Reform JUNEAU – Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., the Alaska Senate gaveled in the 34th Alaska State Legislature.

The Senate reelected Kodiak Republican Sen. Gary Stevens to serve as president of the Senate and leader of a bipartisan majority. Meanwhile, the Alaska House swung from a Republican-dominated majority to a bipartisan majority with the election of Dillingham independent Rep. Bryce Edgmon as speaker in a 21-19 vote.

With aligned majorities in the House and Senate, priorities are set to include education funding, public pensions and election reform.

Future 49, with proponents from civilian pilots to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, is primed to launch to promote Alaskan issues and its energy, economic and national security benefits to the U.S.

With the usual ceremony and an unusual lack of leadership battles the 34th Alaska Legislature gaveled in on Tuesday for the start of a two-year session expected to be lean in terms of revenue available,

Alaska legislators on Friday unveiled a second batch of measures that were prefiled ahead of Tuesday's start to the legislative session. Eighty-one measures were announced last week. A further 20 bills were unveiled Friday — 10 are set to be introduced in the state Senate and 10 in the House.

Money’s going to be tight, but a permanent education funding increase rather than another one-time increase is among the essential achievements needed this session, state Senate leaders said as the 34th Alaska State Legislature gaveled in Tuesday.

Alaska’s 60 legislators come from all corners of the state, and convened in Juneau on Tuesday as the 34th legislative session kicked off.

Alaska’s Department of Education claims victory in pandemic funding dispute, and will collect $17.5 million in federal reimbursements.