(JUNEAU) – The Alaska House of Representatives passed the Operating and Mental Health budgets, HB 268 and HB 270, with unanimous support from House Majority members by a vote of 23-17.
The consolidated efforts embodied in HB 268 and HB 270, totaling $12,318,963,000 from all fund sources, underscore a solemn commitment to the people of Alaska, fiscal responsibility, and strategic investment.
The budget breakdown is as follows:
Undesignated General Funds: $6,074,545,900
Designated General Funds: $984,519,900
Other State Funds: $1,720,157,900
Federal Funds: $3,539,739,300
HB 268, the state’s operating budget, addresses critical areas such as:
- Education: Substantial additional one-time funding of $174.6 million, equivalent to a $680 BSA increase, reaffirms our commitment to education. The budget also contains significant investments in K-3 education assistance, career and technical education initiatives, Head Start, and the READS act. School bond debt reimbursement is also fully funded at $44.9 million.
- Public Safety: An infusion of $3.5 million for 10 additional VPSO positions and strategic investments in crime investigation and domestic violence prevention underscores our commitment to safeguarding communities.
- Statehood Defense: Bolstering resources to safeguard Alaska’s sovereignty, including additional funding for litigation and support for natural resources specialists, reaffirms our commitment to protecting our state’s interests.
- Permanent Fund Dividend: Honoring our commitment to Alaskans, the House’s version of the bill contains a $2,273 PFD, which would represent the third largest dividend in Alaska’s history.
Additional highlights of the budget include robust investments in community assistance, childcare, fisheries and game management, and crucial FY 24 supplementals addressing urgent needs across various sectors.
This budget maintains a surplus of nearly $80 million and is testament to the House’s fiduciary stewardship while still delivering impactful solutions to Alaskans.
“This budget prioritizes public safety, education, a strong permanent fund dividend, essential services to all Alaskans, and provides support for Alaska’s most vulnerable populations,” remarked Finance Co-Chair Representative Johnson (R-Palmer). Johnson added, “It’s a collaborative product with input from all members, as well as the many testimonies, letters, emails, and phone calls from constituents across Alaska. I am proud of work of the work we’ve done and look forward to continuing our dialogue with Alaskans as the budget moves to the other body.”
Speaker Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla) stated: “I commend the efforts of our caucus to exercise the constitutional obligation of passing a responsible budget. This budget reflects our ongoing commitment to address the diverse needs of Alaskans which offers greater opportunity and prosperity for our residents.”