Today’s podcast features several speeches Senator Tobin delivered in March on the floor of the Alaska State Senate to highlight notable Alaskan women and commemorate Women’s History Month.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 14 Read More »
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
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 19 Read More »
Today is day 87 of the 34th Alaska Legislative Session, meaning we have a mere 33 days remaining to pass a balanced budget, work on education reforms and pass signature legislation from individual members and committees. I will continue to bring current news to you on a more frequent basis as items begin to move more quickly since the Operating and Capital Budget have been moved from each of the houses of the bicameral legislature along with an education funding bill that passed both houses but has been vetoed by Governor Dunleavy. The veto override of education support will be done after this Easter on Wednesday in a joint session.
Education Veto, Capitol Projects, PFD Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, This week, the House passed the operating budget and the Senate passed the capital budget. The legislation includes a $1,000 Base Student Allocation increase, a $1,400 dividend, and a $450 million deficit. There is more work to be done on budget, which will be done when each chamber exchanges their approved budget.
Earlier today, Governor Dunleavy vetoed HB 69, which would have raised the Base Student Allocation by $1,000.
The Latest – NEWS: Governor vetoes school funding bill Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who was able to make the town hall on the 5th! As was obvious from the testimony there, this session has been defined by the need for education funding. With a deficit of over $600 million, we are focused on the best way to balance the state budget while mitigating the impacts this will have on our most vulnerable communities.
Dunbar Dispatch: Education and Bill Updates Read More »
Dear friends and neighbors, Education: Accountability “Schools need to be accountable.” “No increase in school funding until there’s accountability.” The Anchorage School District has more data on their website than you would have time to read: spending, testing results, staffing numbers. Links to the ASD data are below, in a section of this newsletter.
Accountability, Capital Budget, New Revenue and lots more! Read More »
Hey East Anchorage, The legislature is going full speed as we head toward the 90-day mark. I expect the final month of session to be even busier. Below is an update on education funding, the legislature’s budget process, and bills I introduced this session.
Capitol Brief: Updates on BSA, Budget, Bills Read More »
Juneau, AK — Today, the Alaska Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Budget, Senate Bill 57, advancing a $2.9 billion plan emphasizing statewide infrastructure maintenance, public safety upgrades, and essential infrastructure investments. The capital budget includes $162 million in UGF spending—$119 million less than the Governor’s proposal—achieved through targeted reductions, fund reappropriations, and a
Unpacking student assessment data, achievement metrics, and accountability.
The Latest – What does “Alaska is 51st out of 53” actually mean? Read More »
