Alaska House Majority Coalition

The Governor’s budget finally came out yesterday. During the campaign, the Governor claimed he would only need to cut about $500 million, but since taking office, that number has inflated to $1.6 billion.

Yesterday, Governor Dunleavy released his FY2020 budget containing a $1.7 billion reduction in overall funds. I am very concerned about the proposal to substantially cut important services, including a 23% reduction in school district funding, a 44% reduction to the university system, elimination of the Senior Benefits Program, and a nearly 40% cut to Medicaid services.

Medicaid has never been more important for our economy and for the safety of our communities. A new study finds that eliminating Medicaid Expansion in Alaska would cost Alaska's economy nearly 3,700 jobs, $267 million in annual labor income, and $566 million in annual total economic output under State Fiscal Year 2018 conditions.

With a split of 20-20, the House still has failed to organize. Although I am frustrated with the current standstill, it is not because of apathy or lack of trying. Every day, House members meet for hours to negotiate. There are dozens of ideas floating around, and I am only one member of 40, each with their own agenda. As the sole Independent in the legislature, I am working with a variety of people every day to build a majority that values similar priorities to Southern Southeast. I ask for your continued patience so that I can put District 36 in the best position this legislative session.