Rep. Bryce Edgmon of Dillingham wasted no time in organizing what he hopes to be a majority coalition in the Alaska House of Representatives, led by himself as House speaker, Rep. Louise Stutes as Rules chair, and Rep.-elect Chuck Kopp as majority leader.
Edgmon, who is a former Democrat but on paper is not aligned with a party, announced the new majority coalition to the Alaska Landmine publication.
Stutes is one of the members of the former Muskox Caucus, which made a deal with Democrats before most of the Muskox members were unelected, leaving Stutes of Kodiak as the only remaining legislator from that era. Kopp has been a member of Democrat-led organizations when he served previously in the House.
The trio said they support the “Percent of Market Value” program in statute that currently prioritizes government spending and limits the Permanent Fund dividend to Alaskans. They support “stable public education funding to reduce class sizes and improve outcomes.” They want to return the state workforce to the costly defined benefits plan. And they want energy development.
The group invited other legislators to join their organization. There has been no formal word about Republicans who have pledged to join, although several names are being mentioned as Republicans who are interested in inclusion in what would be an organization that would unseat Speaker Cathy Tilton of Wasilla.
Louise Stutes is a disgrace to Kodiak.
Nice to see our rulers have priorities. Pity we aren’t among them