Senate coalition names chairmanships

The new bipartisan Alaska Senate Majority has filled the rest of its committee chairmanships for the upcoming 25th Alaska Legislature.

Chairmanships announced Nov. 28 include:

• Judiciary: Hollis French, D-Anchorage;

• Resources: Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla;

• Health, Education and Social Services: Bettye Davis, D-Anchorage;

• Labor and Commerce: Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage;

• Community and Regional Affairs: Donny Olson, D-Nome;

• State Affairs: Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and

• Transportation: Albert Kookesh, D-Angoon.

The coalition earlier announced its top leadership positions, including Senate President Lyda Green, R-Wasilla; Senate Majority Leader Gary Stevens; Rules Chairman John Cowdery, R-Anchorage; and Senate Finance co-Chairs Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, and Bert Stedman, R-Sitka.

The coalition is made up of five Republicans and all nine Democrats. Lawmakers will vote to make their leadership official when the Legislature convenes Jan. 16.

—The Associated Press