Alaska Senate Rejects Budget Concurrence, Conference Committee Formed
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The Alaska Senate rejected its version of the House budget in a concurrence vote on Friday, prompting the formation of a conference committee to reconcile differences with the House’s earlier proposal. The vote on House Bill 53 saw 27 lawmakers opposing the Senate’s version and 11 in favor, with two representatives excused.
Both House Bill 53 and House Bill 55 include critical elements of the state’s capital, operating, and mental health budgets. Earlier this week, the Senate passed revised versions of these bills, trimming approximately $1.5 billion from Governor Mike Dunleavy’s original budget proposal. Notably, the Senate’s approach diverged from the House by opting not to utilize the Constitutional Budget Reserve for ongoing expenditures.
Key disagreements between the Senate and House versions include the proposed $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend for Alaskans versus the House’s $1,400 plan, as well as cuts to certain education programs, state prisons, and infrastructure maintenance.
During the discussion, some House lawmakers expressed concerns about the budget’s reductions. Rep. Mike Prax (R-North Pole) stated the need for more responsible budgeting, while Rep. Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) criticized the Senate for eliminating key House additions.
Governor Dunleavy has not publicly reacted to the concurrence vote but emphasized the importance of a sustainable fiscal plan, urging lawmakers to focus on essential budget items amidst fiscal uncertainties from fluctuating oil prices.
As discussions continue, the conference committee will aim to finalize the budget before the legislative session concludes on May 21, 2025.
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