Stedman opposes last-minute spending additions

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, argues against Senate Bill 6, which would eliminate daylight saving time in Alaska, during an Alaska Senate floor session, March 11, 2015. The Senate passed it 16-4. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)
Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, argues against Senate Bill 6, speaks on the Senate floor in 2015. He has proposed a bill to draw money from the Permanent Fund. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

Sitka Republican Senator Bert Stedman missed some of the final days of this past legislative session attending his daughter’s university graduation in Montana.

Stedman, who represents Petersburg in the state senate, explains Alaska is not out of its fiscal crisis.

He said if he had been there he would have opposed last-minute spending added into state budgets to get agreement on the spending plan and bring about an end to the session.

The senator was in Petersburg for the Little Norway Festival and he stopped by KFSK.

Joe Viechnicki asked him about the end of session and his resolution on co-management for sea otters in Southeast Alaska.

State senator Bert Stedman plans to re-introduce a smaller percent of market value draw from the Alaska Permanent Fund next year.

He also wants a statewide vote on enshrining the full Permanent Fund in the state constitution to prevent the legislature from spending down the earnings reserve.

KFSK - Petersburg

KFSK is our partner station in Petersburg. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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