Last week, the governor eliminated the Permanent Fund dividend and announced a series of line-item vetoes to the compromise budget that create uncertainty at a time when our economy and communities are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday, the House finally approved a budget that avoids a government shutdown and protects the essential services Alaskans rely on.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the legislature passed the state’s operating and capital budgets. The budget does not overdraw the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve Account and includes an $1,100 dividend.
As we look forward to the Memorial Day weekend, let us also take time to pause and remember our fallen service members and pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who bravely serve our country.
The First Regular Session concluded Wednesday evening. Both the House and Senate approved budgets with significant differences.
This week, the House passed an operating budget. House Bill 69 is a reflection of our values and takes important steps to protect essential services and provide stability as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the weekend, the House put in long hours working on amendments to House Bill 69 and House Bill 71, the operating and mental health budgets. We sent the bills back to the House Rules Committee and we will continue work on these bills next week.
As the legislature moves past the 90th day of the legislative session, we continue to focus on the state’s budget.
As we approach the 90th day of the legislative session, I wanted to give an update on legislation that has passed the House so far this year.
This week, Alaskans have an opportunity testify about the operating budget in the House Finance Committee.
