Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

June 13, 2025

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.

We discuss the Governor's vetoes, updates from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and more below.

Budget Approved with Vetoes

In approving the operating and capital budgets, the Governor's largest veto to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget cut funding for public education by $51 million. This lowers the $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA), approved by the Legislature, to a $500 BSA — $200 less than the statutory amount. A total of $76 million was vetoed from school funding. Increasing public education funding was the Legislature's top priority in response to calls for greater support from our schools and families across Alaska.

Below is a summary of the Governor's vetoes:

Education

Education Funding defunded — $50,640,20
Teacher Certification Grants defunded — $490,000
Teacher Incentive Reimbursements defunded — $554,000
Major Maintenance Grant Fund defunded — $25,135,000
University of Alaska capital projects in Anchorage, Fairbanks & Southeast defunded — $3,250,000

Public Safety

Fire Suppression Fund defunded — $26,800,000
Disaster Relief Fund defunded — $10,000,000
Safe Gun Storage Media Campaign defunded — $75,000

Public Health

Behavioral Health Services defunded — $3,700,000
Early Intervention/Infant Learning Programs defunded — $6,000,000
Dementia Education and Prevention Program Funding defunded — $100,000

Statewide Services

Federal Energy Fund Match defunded — $1,000,000
Alaska Seafood Marketing defunded — $5,000,000
Alaska Tourism Industry Marketing defunded — $2,500,000
Bradley Lake Hydropower Project defunded — $2,000,000
Child Care Grants defunded — $1,900,000
Alaska Court System repairs defunded — $1,500,000

Click here for the operating budget veto summary

Click here for the capital budget veto summary

Click here for the mental health budget veto summary

Click here for all budget documents

For our full breakdown of the FY26 budget, as passed by the Legislature, read our budget newsletter here.

Under Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution, Action Upon Veto, establishes the procedure for the Legislature to follow when we return for the second Regular Session of the 34th Legislature in January 2026:

"Bills vetoed after adjournment of the first regular session of the legislature shall be reconsidered by the legislature sitting as one body no later than the fifth day of the next regular or special session of that legislature."

Following our practice in recent years after the Governor vetoes legislation, we anticipate that the Legislature will meet in joint session to reconsider the Governor's vetoes in January 2026. To override the Governor's veto, Article II, Section 16 requires "affirmative vote of three-fourths of the membership of the legislature."

Anchorage Airport Updates

Summer Construction

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) summer 2025 construction projects have begun. Major projects planned for this season include the Taxiway R North & U Improvements, Terminal Water Main Improvements, North Terminal North Apron and Taxilane Reconstruction, and Taxilanes E & M Improvements.

ANC is also expanding their cargo capabilities by expanding FedEx's operations. In February 2024, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Record of Decision (ROD) was completed, signifying that ANC could move forward with FedEx's Lease Lot Development. The work is visible from Postmark Drive, closer to the terminals and south of the existing FedEx buildings.

A full list of summer 2025 construction projects and more information can be found on ANC's Airport Construction Updates webpage.

Part 105 Noise Compatibility Study

ANC is conducting a Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Study to identify and evaluate current and future noise effects associated with aircraft operations at ANC. The goal of the study is to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise. They estimate completing the noise study in 2027.

ANC held a Study Kick-Off Meeting in May 2025 and plan to continue community engagement throughout the process. For more information on the study and future meeting opportunities, you can track updates on ANC's Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update webpage.

DeLong Lake/Meadow Lake Flooding

Last summer, constituents contacted our office with concerns about the rising water levels at DeLong Lake and Meadow Lake. We have been communicating with both the Municipality of Anchorage and ANC to determine options to mitigate the rising water level that is impacting homes near the lakes.

Following the permitting process and proper assessments needed to move forward with pumping water, ANC received the required permits and began pumping began at Meadow Lake last week. Both ANC officials and residents report that water levels have dropped. We are continuing to follow this issue that affects one of our West Anchorage neighborhoods.

Juneteenth Celebration

Last year, Senator Elvi Gray Jackson's bill proclaiming Juneteenth (June 19) as a holiday was signed into law by the Governor. This year, 2025, will be Alaska's first year celebrating Juneteenth as an official State holiday.

There will be a community-wide celebration with guest speakers, entertainment, education, and many ways to learn our history. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth celebrates a point in African American history that changed the direction of our future and transcended generations. It's a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future.

There will be activities and events taking place on June 14, 15, and 19 at the Delaney Park Strip. You can read more information about activities taking place by clicking here.

Community Information

Cast for Recovery Retreat

Casting for Recovery is a national nonprofit offering a fly fishing retreat (2 nights/3 days) for women who’ve been affected by breast cancer. There is an application process on the website for women who have experienced breast cancer and are interested in attending. If accepted for the retreat, all expenses would be paid for.

This September, they will be hosting two retreats in Alaska:

Retreat #1: September 5 to 7 in Soldotna for Alaskan women. Deadline to apply is June 26.
Retreat #2: September 12 to 14 in Kenai for Alaska Native women. Deadline to apply is July 3.

Youth Ride Free on the People Mover

The Anchorage Assembly approved an ordinance establishing permanent free fares for youth 18 years old and younger year-round. You can read more about the vote in the Assembly's June 11th press release.

This change will take effect on July 10, 2025.

Assembly Action on Restaurant and Bar ID Checks

In December 2024, the Anchorage Assembly approved an ordinance mandating ID checks of all customers purchasing alcohol at restaurants and bars.

This week, the Assembly voted to repeal these requirements. Restaurants and bars are no longer required to check IDs effective immediately.

For more information on this story, the Anchorage Daily News published a detailed article available here.

Community Events

Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon

When: Saturday, June 21st, starting at 8:30 AM

Where: Various starting points. Click here to view the course maps.

The longest day of the year means a long-distance race for many in Anchorage. The Anchorage Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon is a summer solstice tradition more than 40 years in the making. Runners from all over the world head to Anchorage on June 21, 2025, for the race. Click here for more information.

Downtown Summer Solstice Festival

When: Saturday, June 21st, from 12:00 to 5:00 PM

Where: 4th Avenue from D St to G St

Enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun with live music and dance performances, two beer gardens, tasty food trucks, and more than 60 local vendors, including artisans, artists, and community organizations. Click here for more information.

Anchorage Pride Parade & Festival

When: Saturday, June 28th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where: Delaney Park (W 9th Ave)

The Alaskans Together Foundation is hosting the Anchorage Pride Parade this year in the Delaney Park Strip. There will be food trucks, vendors, and performances throughout the day. Click here for more information.