Dear friends,
So far it has been a very busy year- certainly, this summer has followed the trend. Both bodies were called back to Juneau for two special sessions thus far (with at least one more looming). Since my last newsletter, a few details regarding the budget have changed. The most important change to note is that a government shutdown has been avoided and due to failed CBR votes in both legislative bodies, budgetary issues will ensue.
The House of Representatives:
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Voted 33-5 in favor of HCR 201 to waive the rules to take up the operating budget bill
- Voted 29-9 to rescind action on the effective date clause for House Bill 69
- Passed the effective date clause by a vote of 28-10. It's important to note that 27 votes were needed.
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Passed a Sense of the House detailing a bipartisan working group that will develop a fiscal plan for consideration during the third special session in August.
A Compromised Budget Deal (House Bill 69):
- State Troopers – $158 million
- Alaska Wing Civil Air Patrol – $250,000
- Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault – $24.7 million
- Criminal Division – $40 million
- Pioneer Homes – $106.9 million
- Medicaid Services – $2.3 billion ($1.8 billion federal)
- Alaska Psychiatric Institute – $39.3 million
- Therapeutic Courts – $3.25 million
- Alaska Marine Highway System – $15 million
- $15.7 million in lost revenue relief, and $10 million for receipt authority.
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$2.5 million for pre-K grants. ($5 million in the House version of the budget)
- Restored $1.25 million in state funding for public health nursing.
- Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute will get $10 million in federal funding to help the commercial fishing industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Base Student Allocation - $5,930
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.
