Alaska lawmakers prepare for legal fight over education

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Legislature has escalated its fight with Gov. Mike Dunleavy over education funding by giving the committee that handles legislative business authority to sue over the issue.

The House and Senate voted Tuesday to give the Legislative Council authority to prepare for a lawsuit.

Sen. Gary Stevens chairs the Legislative Council and says a lawsuit could be filed if Dunleavy doesn't release K-12 funds. The Kodiak Republican says the council would have to vote to move forward.

Lawmakers last year approved funding for public schools for the fiscal year starting July 1. The administration has questioned the constitutionality of that action.

Lawmakers supporting the authorization called the dispute a separation of powers issue. Opponents say the issue could be resolved by putting the money in the budget now.