Claman-AKMatters

Dear Friends and Neighbors, I hope everyone is enjoying the long summer days. Our summer has been filled with biking around Alaska, catching salmon, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Happy Independence Day! With a beautiful Alaskan summer in full swing, I hope everyone is enjoying our long days with friends and family. Read on to find information about Fourth of July celebrations happening around Anchorage this weekend.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the Governor announced more than $122 million in vetoes to the capital and operating budgets passed by the Legislature. The vetoes include cuts to public education, public safety, and public health services.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Yesterday, the Legislature adjourned a day early! The Constitution of Alaska requires that the Legislature adjourn on or before the 121st day of session.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, There are five days left in this year’s legislative session and we’re working hard in the Capitol. Negotiating a compromise budget between the House and Senate is a priority.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, There are twelve days left in this year’s legislative session and we’re working hard in the Capitol. This week, the Senate passed the operating budget with a focus on public safety, public education, and public health. Next, House and Senate finance leaders are expected to meet in conference committee to negotiate a compromise

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.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Last week, Governor Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 69, which would have permanently raised the Base Student Allocation by $1,000. Yesterday, the House and Senate met in Joint Session to consider overriding that veto. The override vote failed 33 -27, as the Alaska Constitution requires 40 votes needed to override the Governor.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the House passed the operating budget and the Senate passed the capital budget. The legislation includes a $1,000 Base Student Allocation increase, a $1,400 dividend, and a $450 million deficit. There is more work to be done on budget, which will be done when each chamber exchanges their approved budget.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Friday afternoon, the Senate passed House Bill 69 with a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation. The House approved the same legislation soon after the Senate vote. The legislation now goes to Governor Dunleavy for his consideration. There is more work to be done to support public education in Alaska.