State budget the focus as Legislature prepares to meet

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Alaska’s gaping budget deficit is expected to be the focus of the legislative session beginning this week. But the road to a solution may be rocky, with differing ideas for how to help close the deficit and difficult choices that could significantly impact state services.

A continued drop in oil prices adds urgency to legislators’ work, as does the ongoing draw-down on savings to help cover state costs. North Slope crude peaked around $66 a barrel last year, a crash from the prior year, and fell below $30 last week.

For Rep. Mark Neuman, co-chair of the House Finance Comm...