A legislative committee approved a plan to convert a building donated last year to the Legislature into housing for lawmakers and Capitol staff.
The Assembly Building is seen on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 in Juneau. The Alaska Legislature is planning to convert the building into legislative apartments.
“I do think we’re putting the cart before the horse,” said Senate President Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna. Micciche’s opposition to the proposal came despite five weeks of couch surfing as he struggled to find permanent housing during the current legislative session. Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, said he couldn’t find housing during a special session held in 2016, and was forced to move from one hotel room to the next. Some lawmakers live as housemates in a rented home. Others stay in local hotels. Sen.
While no detailed analysis of the operational costs had been conducted, Geary said the agency’s goal is to operate the apartments efficiently to minimize costs to the Legislature.