House passes operating budget

JUNEAU - The Alaska House of Representatives passed HB 69 by a 23-16 vote, sending the operating budget to the Senate with the constitutional session limit just over a week away. House Coalition members were pleased with the budget they hope will promote stability and protect key services.

"Every Alaskan can find something to like about this budget," Speaker Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) said. "The governor's proposals are largely intact. We worked with the minority to amend the budget on the priorities we could agree on. And most of all, the State of Alaska is now on a path to provide funding for services that make our communities whole, such as the ferry system in Coastal Alaska. I thank everyone who helped us get to this point."

Valley Representatives Christopher Kurka, Kevin McCabe, DeLena Johnson, David Eastman, George Rauscher and Cathy Tilton all voted in opposition to the budget. The following vote for the Constitutional Budget Reserve draw failed to get 30 votes, tallying 24-15.

"The budget is a reflection of our values, and it takes important steps to protect essential services and to provide stability as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our limited resources combined with relief funding from the federal government will help advance and protect important public services, like education and public safety, that Alaskans depend on every day,” said Rep. Neal Foster (D-Nome).

House Bill 69 provides one-time Federal COVID-19 funds through the ARPA with $124.5 million for community relief, $30 million for tourism relief, $30 million to help offset lost small business revenue and $30 million for lost revenue by nonprofits. HB 69 directed $5 million in PRE-K funding. The funding to the University of Alaska is set at an amount agreed to during a compact between UA leaders and administration and the Alaska Marine Highway System has been forward funded for 18 months. Domestic Violence relief and treatment programs and shelter centers were also fully funded after losing funding from Federal sources.