Juneau, AK — Today, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 15, sponsored by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee, urging Alaska’s congressional delegation to oppose proposed federal cuts to Medicaid funding and protect access to essential services for the most vulnerable Alaskans.
NEWS: Alaska Senate Passes Resolution Opposing $880 Billion in Federal Medicaid Cuts Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
With the last month of session here, my team and I are committed to finishing out these last few weeks strong.
Last week legislators came together to pass a $700 increase to the BSA, the largest BSA increase in a decade. This legislation came in response to Governor Dunleavy’s disappointing veto of the previous education bill. The new version includes some of the policies the governor requested and was approved through the Legislature with a 48-11 vote. Governor Dunleavy has until May 17th to decide whether he’ll allow the bill to pass into law. Each of us in the Legislature recognize this as a compromise, and in the event of a second veto the likelihood of an override is high.
Dunbar Dispatch: Education and Bill Updates Read More »
Dear friends and neighbors, Thank you to everyone who attended the Town Hall meeting on May 3. Representatives Kopp and Holland joined me in hearing from about 45-50 folks.
Town Hall notes, Medcaid 101, Federal Jobs and lots more! Read More »
JUNEAU, AK— Today, the Alaska Senate approved a balanced and transitional operating budget for FY 2026. This budget secures essential services, prevents unsustainable draws from savings, and establishes a $150 million buffer to help the legislature weather the coming fiscal headwinds of $300–$600 million in FY 2027. The operating budget demonstrates a commitment to long-term
NEWS: Alaska Senate Passes a Balanced Transitional FY 2026 Operating Budget Read More »
JUNEAU, AK – Today, the Alaska Senate unanimously passed Senate Joint Resolution 19, sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski), encouraging Congress to honor Alaska’s birthright of the 90/10 split of revenue from mineral production on federal lands and guaranteed by the Alaska Statehood Compact.
Senator Tobin and Mike Mason have a wide-ranging conversation with Representative Ashley Carrick from Fairbanks about transportation issues, education funding, and the University of Alaska.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 16 Read More »
Next week is a busy week, and a number of my bills have hearings. Below are some highlights about what’s going on. Senate Joint Resolution 19 encourages the Federal Government to honor Alaska’s birthright of the 90/10 split of revenue from mineral production on federal lands and guaranteed by the Alaska Statehood Compact. SJR 19 will
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for May 3 Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, The latest bill to fund public education is House Bill 57. Introduced as a bill to regulate the use of cell phones in schools, the Senate added a $700 Base Student Allocation increase, a 10% increase in student transportation, improved policies for charter schools, and more.
Legislature Moves Forward with a New Education Bill Read More »
There are a mere 20 days remaining in the first session of the 34th Alaska Legislature! A lot can happen in these next two weeks and there is much activity that has already begun to slow assuming we will take it back up next year or even over the summer and early fall. I’ll try to keep folks informed on a frequent basis, but as things can change daily, it would also be great to send an email or contact me directly at the office at 907.456.7423.
Education Funding, Bill Movement, Federal Concerns Read More »
This legislative session, the Alaska State Legislature has been working diligently to ensure that our public schools receive the resources they need to serve every student across the state. I am proud to stand with the legislative majorities in our unwavering commitment to adequately fund Alaska’s education system.
Elvi’s Updates: May 2025 Finishing Out the Session Strong! Read More »
