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 »
Hello! This week the Senate Education Committee forwarded a bill that will secure stable and predictable funding for schools. The bill provides a 4.6% increase in state funding compared to last year. These additional dollars are vital to empowering successful learning outcomes.
On the Kenai: Weekly Legislative Update for April 14 Read More »
Our rain came back this weekend. I wouldn’t know what to do if we didn’t have April showers to bring May rainfall.
April Showers Bring May… Adjournment? Read More »
Today’s episode includes two recent speeches delivered by Senator Tobin on the importance of Alaska’s public education system and the urgent need for additional education funding.
The Empty Office Podcast – Season 3, Episode 13 Read More »
Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Friday afternoon, the Senate passed House Bill 69 with a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation. The House approved the same legislation soon after the Senate vote. The legislation now goes to Governor Dunleavy for his consideration. There is more work to be done to support public education in Alaska.
House and Senate Approve Public Education Bill Read More »
Today is day 81 of the 120-day Alaska Legislative session and only 1/3 of the session remains. Boy how time flies.
The House Finance Committee has been trying to approve an operating budget, which is a difficult task, given that the state is facing financial straits and a deficit of $1.9 billion. The House Majority and Minority are deeply divided on how to deal with Alaska’s fiscal problems. There has been some contention this week, as House Finance tries to compromise on a budget to send over to the Senate. Both the House Minority and Majority held separate press conferences on the issue and painted two very different pictures for the people of Alaska.
PFD, HB 69 and Federal Cuts Read More »
