Alaska Gov, Lawmakers' Fights Mark Session End

By February, lawmakers were faced with the surreal juxtaposition of cutting state spending while managing a huge influx of federal dollars through President Barack Obama's federal stimulus plan — and a governor who said she would not accept much of the cash because of strings attached.

Lawmakers kept their word. They passed a flat operating budget, a tight public works budget and, upon concluding the stimulus money carried minimal strings, accepted virtually Alaska's entire share.

Critics said the legislature missed opportunities to address some of Alaska's glaring social problems, and Palin may ultimately reject some stimulus money, but legislative leaders pronounced themselves satisfied with their performance.

"A lot of good legislation was coming through and a lot of it didn't pass this year," said Sen. President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. "But it has the chance to be worked on next year and become even better and become law next year."

House Speaker Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, said managing the state's money and providing services Alaskans need was primary.

"We don't have the revenue we had before so we had to make the tough decisions," Chenault said. "It's the job we were sent down here for."