JUNEAU—Today, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 187, otherwise known as the capital budget. The budget totals $450 million of general fund dollars and is carefully crafted to promote infrastructure projects throughout the state, address the state’s backlog of deferred maintenance, support statewide weatherization, and increase resources for food security, among other priorities.
JUNEAU – On Wednesday, April 3, the Senate Education Committee will hold an emergency hearing at 3:30 p.m. to hear from the Department of Education and Early Development on its actions leading up to a designation of a “high-risk” grantee by the U.S. Department of Education and its plan forward to remove the designation.
JUNEAU – Yesterday, Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed Senate Bill 140, the legislature’s omnibus education compromise. Senate Bill 140 was the largest increase in school funding in state history, with a $680 increase to the Base Student Allocation. Senate Bill 140 significantly improved internet connectivity in rural Alaska, provided $10 million in additional funding for the
JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska State Senate concurred with the House changes to Senate Bill 140, effectively passing the largest increase to school funding in state history with a $680 increase to the Base Student Allocation. Senate Bill 140 will also significantly improve internet connectivity in rural Alaska, provide $10 million in additional funding for
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JUNEAU – Yesterday afternoon, the Alaska legislature became aware of the passing of former Representative Tom Anderson. Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), who served with Representative Anderson in the Alaska State House, issued the following statement:
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JUNEAU – Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy provided his annual State of the State speech to a joint session of the Alaska legislature. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, provided the following response:
Anchorage, AK – Earlier this afternoon, Governor Mike Dunleavy released his proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which must be submitted to the legislature by December 15 each year. The legislature will convene on January 16, 2024, to consider the proposed budget and other legislative priorities. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and members of Senate leadership
KODIAK, AK – Earlier this week, Father Michael Oleksa of the village of Nanwalek passed away from a stroke at the age of 75. Father Oleksa was part of the Russian Orthodox church and a well-known, respected, and beloved figure throughout the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island. He was a cultural ambassador who fostered community
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NIKISKI, AK – Today, members of the Alaska State Senate learned that former Representative Kurt Olson, R-Soldotna, passed away from a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Representative Kurt Olson served the Central Kenai Peninsula in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2005 through 2016. Members of the Alaska Senate Majority issued the following statements:
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ANCHORAGE – Yesterday, Alaska was shocked by the news of the tragic death of Eugene Peltola, Jr., husband of Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola. Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) and Senate Rules Chair Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) issued the following condolences:
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