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Hello -
In the last week, the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget passed out of the House, the Capital Budget passed the Senate, and the Senate Finance Budget Subcommittees for each State agency finalized and forwarded their reports to the full Senate Finance Committee. It’s tempting at this point to focus on what's in and what's out of the budgets, but we’re only part-way through the process and there will be many more changes before the Legislature passes final versions.
Roads, schools, hospitals and public safety are all important to Alaskans and our economy. However, due to the decline in oil prices and other factors, our state is expected to receive $100 million less in revenue for FY2026 than FY2025, and $500 million less than was received in FY2024. The Senate is committed to a balanced budget, with restraints on spending in state departments and the biggest dividend we can afford. This means making hard choices that focus on Constitutional mandates.
I am honored to be your effective advocate in Juneau. Please contact my office when you have ideas or concerns by calling 907-283-7996 or by email at sen.jesse.bjorkman@akleg.gov
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