REORGANIZATION POLITICS

The very important reorganization election of the new 24 member Republican House Majority took place today. Reorganization occurs after each legislative general election. Veteran and “newbie” legislators met for about four hours in Anchorage this afternoon, beginning at 2:00PM. Rep. John Harris of Valdez won election again as Speaker of the House. Rep. Samuels of Anchorage will be the new Majority Leader, and Rep. Coghill of North Pole will be new Rules Committee Chair, and Reps Chennault and Meyer as Finance Committee co-Chairs. After this selection of majority leadership, the various Committee Chairs were selected by secret ballot. Just like in any election, some good people won and some good people lost.

I won election as Chair of the House State Affairs Committee. I have served as a member of this committee during the preceding four years. State Affairs is an important standing committee, and many substantive bills are assigned to it. I also obtained membership on the Judiciary Committee, as well as the International Trade, Economic Development, and Tourism Committee.

Committees are where the “heavy lifting” on legislation occurs i.e. the hard work. Testimony is received from bill sponsors, the administration, and the public. After that, a bill is either held in the committee, or is passed out of committee with individual “Do Pass,” “Do Not Pass,” “No Recommendation,” or “Amend” votes.