Elvi's Updates- May 2025 Finishing Out the Session Strong!

Education Funding:

A Failed Veto Override What's Next?

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.

In mid-April, both the House and Senate passed House Bill 69, an historic effort to raise the Base Student Allocation (BSA) — the fundamental formula that funds Alaska's public schools — by $1,000. This legislation would have provided everything from classroom supplies to retaining talented teachers. It also included important provisions to adjust funding for inflation in the years ahead.

Unfortunately, Governor Dunleavy vetoed HB 69 on April 17th, citing concerns about fiscal sustainability and a desire for more policy changes. In a show of bipartisan resolve, the Legislature came together in a joint session to attempt an override. Though the veto override received strong support with a 33-27 vote, it fell just short of the 40 votes required by the Alaska Constitution.

Our commitment to Alaska's students remains stronger than ever. Following the Governor's veto, the legislative majorities have continued to work toward meaningful solutions. Now, the Senate and House are voting on a new education funding bill, with a $700 BSA increase, and more policy provisions that the Governor can potentially get behind.

House Bill 57, a bill that was originally introduced to limit the use of communication devices in schools, is now the new education funding bill. House Bill 57 passed on the Senate side last week and the House concurred on April 30th. The Bill is now on its way to the Governor's office, we are looking forward to him signing this important legislation. My office can provide updates at your convenience.

Our teachers, parents, and students deserve real, lasting support. While policy reforms are important, they must not come at the expense of adequately funding our schools. The majority in the Alaska Legislature — and I among them — understand that a strong, stable education system is essential to our state's future.

Bill Process Refresher

How a Bill Becomes a Law (Alaska Style—The Fun Version!)

It all starts with an idea!
Someone—maybe a lawmaker or even a student with a cool idea—wants to make a change or fix a problem.
Lawyers make it official.
Legal Services turns that idea into a real draft of a bill (aka fancy law language).
It’s showtime!
The bill is introduced in the House or Senate. Everyone can check it out online (thanks, BASIS!).
The real work begins.
Committees read it, debate it, tweak it, and maybe even argue a little. It’s all part of the process.
Time to vote!
If that chamber likes it, they vote YES. If not, it might need changes—or it could stall out.
Now it’s the other side’s turn.
The bill goes to the other body (House or Senate), and they do their own round of debating, tweaking, and voting.
Back and forth we go.
If one side makes changes, it bounces back to the other. This keeps going until both say “Yep, we’re good!”
Governor signs it.
Once both sides agree, it heads to the Governor. If they sign it...
BOOM—it's a law!
And just like that, the idea becomes one of Alaska’s official rules.

Bonus Round!

Alaska’s Legislature runs on a two-year cycle. That means if a bill doesn’t cross the finish line this year, it’s not game over! It can pick up right where it left off when the 2026 session starts. So there’s still time to make it happen!

34th Legislature: Bill Updates

SB40 – A bill that would designate Sep. 15 – Oct. 15 of each year as Hispanic Heritage Month, passed the Senate unanimously and is awaiting passage in the House. This bill would not be a paid holiday, but rather a recognition of the contributions to our state from members of our various Hispanic communities.
SB103 – A bill that would require Certified Nurse Assistants in Alaska get training for signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Alaska’s population is aging and arming our nurses with the knowledge and expertise to help deal with the terrors of dementia and Alzheimer’s is the least we can. This bill received two hearings in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee before being put aside for a future hearing. I look forward to continuing to advocate for this bill, which can help with the quality of life for patients of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
SJR8 – International Relations with Taiwan was moved from the Senate Resources Committee and is awaiting passage on the Senate Floor. Alaska had a trade office in Taiwan for years, which promoted the relationship between Alaska and Taiwan, specifically in sales of seafood and other industries, as well as promoting the ongoing relationship between Taiwan and Alaska tourism. This resolution became an idea I was willing to focus on after a trip to Taiwan, where I met with government leaders last summer who stressed how important it is to have this trade office reinstated in Taipei.
Other Updates – My other key legislative priorities are moving through committee but taking a back seat to the important topics of Education Funding and the State Budget. I anticipate having more bill updates before the end of session.

Anchorage Events in May

Anchorage is buzzing with vibrant community events this May, offering something for everyone—from outdoor adventures to cultural celebrations.

On Saturday, May 10, the Anchorage Bike Rodeo at Chanshtnu Muldoon Park (10 AM–1 PM) kicks things off with a free, family-friendly event focused on bike safety, featuring helmet fittings, bike checks, and skill-building courses.

That same weekend, celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center (9 AM–5 PM) with the opening of their summer season—enjoy guided village tours, Alaska Native games, cultural performances, new exhibitions, and delicious food from Café Di’eshchin.

Also on May 11, the Taste of Korea Festival at Romig Middle School (11 AM–5 PM) invites attendees to savor Korean cuisine and enjoy traditional music and dance, courtesy of IYF (International Youth Fellowship) Anchorage.

The following weekend, on Saturday, May 17, Reading Rendezvous at the Z.J. Loussac Library (12 PM–4 PM) kicks off the library’s Summer Discovery reading program with live entertainment, community booths, and family activities. With so much to explore and celebrate, Anchorage is the place to be this May!

District G Budget Allocations

Below are a few of the projects in district G that received funding despite our limited budget this year.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Senior Citizens Housing - $3,000,000

A Street and C Street Corridor Plan (HD 13) - $900,000

Anchorage 32^nd Avenue Upgrade (HD 14) - $2,000,000

Chugach Way Rehabilitation (Spenard to Arctic) (HD 14) -$1,000,000

Dowling Road Pavement: Seward Hwy to Lake Otis (HD 9-14) -$272,910

Gambell Street and Ingra Street Overhead Signal Upgrades (HD 14) - $7,573,253

Gambell Street Utility Pole Removal & Increased Lighting (HD 14) - $6,303,781

Interim is almost here!

The session ends on May 21^st and my staff, and I will be back in the Anchorage Office continuing to “represent your interests!” As we transition from Juneau to Anchorage, look for us on June 2^nd!!

As always, it is my honor to work for you!