Dear friends,
Day 121 has officially come and gone but the work continues! On the last day of the session, members of both bodies worked until the last minute to address the budget which included 41 amendments offered by the Senate. Regardless of the last-ditch effort, when the Senate sent the budget to the House for concurrence, that did not happen and a special session was called by Governor Dunleavy which began on May 20th. The 30-day special session directs work on the operating/capital budget(HB69), mental health budget(HB71), the FY22 PFD(HB72 and SB52) and a constitutional amendment protecting the PFD aka the Governor's 50/50 Plan (SJR6 and HJR7).
These issues are now being addressed by the Conference Committee which is comprised of six members, three from each body of the House and the Senate. Their task is to review the budget proposals from each chamber and reach an agreement between the two. We are currently awaiting the results of their deliberations in order to convene and vote on their decision.
In addition, the Governor called for a second special session to begin on August 2nd to address a constitutional amendment to establish an appropriation limit (HJR6 and SJR5), a constitutional amendment to prohibit new state taxes without voter approval (HJR8 and SJR7), appropriation of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and potential measures to increase state revenues.
This is what the Senate has proposed (not exhaustive):
- A $2,300 PFD would cost around $1.5 billion.
- A 500-mile trail from Fairbanks to Seward.
- Intent language to cut unfilled state jobs.
- Intent language for a $1,200 and $600 one-time bonus payment for people on Alaska’s unemployment insurance program who go back to work. (The bonus would be paid after 4 weeks of work)
- $1 million for a new fuel tank and other improvements for the University of Alaska Southeast.
- $2 million for the energy weatherization program.
The House has proposed (not exhaustive):
- $5 million for pre-K programs.
- Fully fund school bond debt reimbursement.
- Forward fund the Alaska Marine Highway System for 18 months.
- $144 million to pay oil tax credits.
- $2.7 million for public radio and television grants.
- $17.5 million for community assistance.
- $1.35 million increase for public defenders in Alaska.
- $3 million increase for prosecutors.
As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have especially as it pertains to both special sessions.
