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

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 political leaders are cheering an expansive executive order signed by President Donald Trump that aims to boost oil and gas drilling, mining and logging in the state.

The Ambler Access Project being sponsored by AIDEA is another development project that has new life in the Trump administration. The project, which AIDEA proposes to fund, would put a road stretching about 200 miles into the Brooks Range foothills to provide access to an isolated mining district dominated by copper reserves.

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,

President Donald Trump’s expansive executive order aimed at boosting oil and gas drilling, mining and logging in Alaska is being cheered by state political leaders.

Data shows a $500 million annual increase in school funding is needed to make up for 15 years of inflation. Supporters are skeptical a big funding boost will be approved this year.

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.

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.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, said on Tuesday that flags at the U.S. Capitol would remain at full-staff on Inauguration Day.

14—JUNEAU — Alaska education advocates are ... Last year, the Legislature and Gov. Mike Dunleavy failed to approve an expansive education package after protracted negotiations.