Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget Update

The Alaska State Senate approved Senate Bill 214, the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget. This budget allocates a total of $248 million from Unrestricted General Funds (UGF) and leverages nearly $2 billion in federal matching funds. A primary focus of the budget is Alaska’s public education, with $83.5 million going directly toward K-12 to ensure Alaskan students have safe and functional learning environments.

The Senate’s capital budget continues to support projects proposed by Governor Mike Dunleavy. The Senate Finance Committee designated roughly $57 million for K-12 major maintenance. This funding will address the top 15 priority projects identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. Tank farm repairs at three rural schools, will target critical needs in Alaska’s most remote and underserved communities.

Key highlights of the FY27 Senate Capital Budget include:

$57 million for K-12 major maintenance projects, fully funding the top 15 priority schools on the state’s deferred maintenance list, as well as tank farm repairs at three rural schools;

$17 million to replace the Stebbins school, destroyed in a 2024 fire;

$14 million for repairs at Mt. Edgecumbe High School;

$17 million for University of Alaska deferred maintenance;

Workforce development programs to build Alaska’s pipeline and construction workforce for future economic growth.

Years of documented neglect and testimony highlighting severe deferred maintenance across Alaska’s schools, particularly in rural areas where aging facilities threaten student health, safety, and learning have underscored the need for this investment. An investigation by ProPublica and KYUK further detailed these conditions. The urgency was reinforced when Legislators visited Mt. Edgecumbe High School and observed roof leaks, rodent infestations, and deteriorating dormitories, prompting lawmakers to describe the conditions as “deplorable.”

Legislative Updates: Progress on Key Bills

Myself, my staff (Jamie Bagley), and Mackenzie Englishoe (Youth Advisor, Tanana Chiefs) testifying in House Finance. I am incredibly thankful to Mackenzie, James Biela (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alaska Chapter) Ann Ringstad (NAMI), and Trevor Storrs (President/CEO of Alaska Children's Trust) for their testimony and continued support.

SB 41 – Mental Health Education (K–12) passed the Senate on April 10 with a vote of 19–1. It was heard in House Finance on April 22 and advanced out of committee in its first hearing. The bill now heads to House Rules for consideration on the floor. This legislation has been under consideration for several years now, and I am confident it will reach the finish line before the end of this years session.

SB 40 – Hispanic Heritage Month passed the House (36-3) on April 30 and is now being transmitted to the Governor. The bill establishes September 15 through October 15 each year as Hispanic Heritage Month, aligning Alaska with the national observance. Alaska is one of the most diverse states in the country. Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month affirms our appreciation for Hispanic and Latino communities and their lasting contributions to our state, from the earliest days of statehood to today.

SB 20 – CPR Curriculum passed out of House Education Committee on April 20th. The bill has strong support from organizations such as the Anchorage Fire Department, the Alaska Heart and Vascular Institute, and the American Heart Association. The bill now awaits hearings in the House Finance Committee.

SB 261 – Unhoused Young Adults: IDS, Birth Certs was heard for the first time in Senate Health & Social Services Committee on April 14 and was passed out of committee on April 28. This bill is the Senate companion to Representative Mina's HB 334 and is intended to remove financial and administrative barriers by allowing the state to waive fees for birth certificates and IDs for unhoused young adults ages 18 to 25. It also expands acceptable forms of identification and provides more flexibility on listing addresses.

SB 6 – Asian American/Pacific Islander Education K-12 awaits a hearing in the House Finance Committee. This is the final committee before consideration on the House floor.

If you are interested in providing testimony on specific legislation, please find the information below:

Call in numbers for testimony:

Juneau prefixes: 907-586-9085
Anchorage prefixes: 907-563-9085
All other callers: 844-586-9085

Bill's I'm Tracking this Session

Below are three important bills moving through the committee process that I am supporting and want to highlight for your awareness:

SB 64 – Elections

Senate Bill 64 addresses a wide range of issues within our voting system and has gained widespread bipartisan support. It would allow for ballot curing and tracking for absentee ballots which will lead to faster and more transparent election results, as well as updating rules and laws, such as the unlawful interference laws, and allowing the Division of Elections to improve voter role clean up. In addition, this bill designates a liaison for rural communities and adds Tribal IDs as acceptable voter ID. Another part of the bill would allow for write-ins in presidential elections. Finally, this bill would provide postage-paid envelopes for absentee ballots and would notify the public about potential data breaches. The Senate concurred with the amendments made in the House 16 - 4. However, Governor Dunleavy vetoed the bill yesterday, citing legal and operational concerns. The bill will now be considered for a potential veto override by the Legislature in the next joint session.

Below is a short Myth vs. Fact sheet on Senate Bill 64 that was distributed by Representative Sarah Vance (R), of the House Minority.

HB 78 – Retirement Systems (Defined Benefit)

House Bill 78 would align Alaska with the rest of the country by restoring a defined benefit retirement system for teachers and public employees, replacing the current defined contribution model. Alaska is experiencing concerning levels of outmigration, with families leaving for states that offer more comprehensive retirement benefits. This bill aims to strengthen retention and recruitment of public employees and educators. House Bill 78 passed the Senate Floor with amendments that added additional cost controls and oversight measures, including flexible employee contribution rates, a higher employer contribution cap for participating employers, and expanded authority for the Alaska Retirement Management Board to help ensure long-term sustainability of the system. The House concurred on the amendments from the Senate, and the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

SB 23 – Civics Education

Senate Bill 23 focuses on strengthening civics education in Alaska’s schools. It proposes enhancements to civics instruction, assessments, and graduation requirements to help ensure students graduate with a stronger understanding of government and their responsibilities as future voters. The bill is currently awaiting a hearing in House Finance.

During session it is important to stay informed. Below is a few helpful ways to follow along:

Alaska State Legislature Website

This website allows you to access your legislator’s office contact information, committee schedules, and current and past legislation, along with daily calendars and public meeting notices.

Bill Tracking

Want updates on a bill? Just text the bill number (i.e. SB 6) to (559) 245-2529 to get alerts sent straight to your phone. You can also sign up on this website.

My Newsletter

If you know someone who would like to stay informed and engaged, please consider forwarding this newsletter to them. You can send this link here.

Gavel Alaska

Watch live unedited coverage of the House and Senate committee meetings and floor sessions.

Legislative Budget & Audit Committee

The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, which I chair, voted during its April 22 meeting to release the FY25 State of Alaska Single Audit to the public. A Single Audit is a federally required review of how the State manages and spends federal funds, including an examination of financial statements, internal controls, and compliance with federal requirements. In simple terms, it helps ensure taxpayer dollars are being used properly, identifies areas for improvement, and strengthens accountability in state government.

I encourage you to take a look at the 616-page audit report (see here). This work reflects the important mission of the Division of Legislative Audit, whose dedicated professionals help provide transparency and serve as one of the Legislature’s most important checks in ensuring state agencies are operating responsibly and in compliance with the law.

Market Season Begins in Spenard

The arrival of spring means market season is just around the corner, and I am pleased to share that the Spenard Chamber of Commerce and the Spenard Second Saturday have been working together to strengthen support for the beloved Spenard Farmers Market. A new board is being built to help bring fresh energy, expanded outreach, and new faces to this longstanding community tradition, while continuing to support the dedicated work of Mark Butler, known affectionately as the market’s “Music Guy.”

The Spenard Farmers Market opens for the season on Saturday, May 16 under the windmill at 2555 Spenard Road. The Market will be open from 9:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s market will once again showcase many small entrepreneurs and local vendors from the Spenard community, offering residents an opportunity to shop local, support small businesses, and connect with neighbors. I encourage everyone to stop by and enjoy all that this wonderful community gathering has to offer.

Engaging with Advocates & Organizations

The legislative session is filled with hearings, committee meetings, floor sessions, and opportunities to meet with stakeholders who visit Juneau to advocate for various agencies and causes. These conversations help ensure that the work being done in the Capitol reflects the real needs, experiences, and perspectives of the people I serve.

So far this session, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of organizations and individuals. Most recently, I met with representatives from the American Heart Association, The Tanana Chiefs Emerging Leaders, the Alaska Humanities Forum, and Camp Fire/Thread Alaska.

Each of these meetings provides valuable insight. Whether I hear from young leaders, community advocates, or professionals working to expand healthcare access, I am grateful to everyone who takes the time to share their ideas, concerns, and priorities. I look forward to continuing these important conversations throughout the remainder of the legislative session.

Session is Coming to a Close

The 34th Alaska State Legislature is nearing the end of its 121-day session, with adjournment set for May 20th. Over the past several months, legislators have worked to address key issues affecting Alaskans, including the Permanent Fund, the state budget, and infrastructure investments.

While progress has been made, important work remains as we continue to address ongoing fiscal challenges. I remain committed to pursuing responsible solutions that support a strong and stable future for our state.

As session concludes, my focus will shift to constituent outreach and preparing for the next legislative cycle. Please know that my office will remain open and available throughout the interim. If you have questions, concerns, or feedback on legislative matters, I encourage you to reach out to my office in Juneau, by phone (907) 465-4930, or via email.

It is an honor to serve you. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in Juneau.

Commitment to Alaskans

After the session ends, I will continue to work diligently to represent my constituents and Alaskans throughout the State. Alaskans’ voices matter! Please stay informed and engaged in the process!

Your input and engagement are vital to the legislative process. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of any assistance.

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