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The legislature continues to work on the operating budget. Diverse legislative priorities and less income from oil and gas are making it challenging to agree on a budget as a legislature this year. However, I will continue to work with my colleagues from all parties in the House, Senate and the governor’s office to come up with a compromise budget. This will be a deep dive to explain why it is so difficult to put together a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Our budget is a mix of federal revenue (almost always designated for certain purposes...
Dear Friends and Neighbors: The House Finance Committee wrapped up debate on amendments to the operating budget Thursday evening and moved the budget out of subcommittee on Friday. Amendments to the budget are being considered on the House floor this week. After we consider over 100 amendments the budget will be debated and voted on. If there is support, the budget will pass the House and then be considered by the Senate. Usually, the differences between the House and Senate versions of the operating budget are worked out in a conference...
Dear Friends and Neighbors: Last week the House debated amendments to House Joint Resolution 7, which would add language to the Constitution that would obligate the state to pay out a dividend in the amount in state law. We will continue to debate the resolution this week. In order for this constitutional amendment to go into effect, it must pass the House and Senate by a two thirds vote and then be approved by a majority vote of Alaskans in a referendum. Bills that Passed the House last Week HB 148, AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP, ELIGIBILITY...
Dear Friends and Neighbors: It has been an honor to serve as your representative for the first session of the 33rd Alaska State Legislature. Some good things are happening. A Budget Deal is Reached —The final budget is balanced, provides a $1300 PFD, and includes additional funding to support childcare and Head Start programs across the state. These early childhood education additions are a great way to help build Alaska’s economy, improve education outcomes, and support working families. The Senate budget that was eventually adopted didn...
