The Alaska House of Representatives advanced its version of the operating budget Monday, which is projected to create a $600-million deficit by paying a $2,700 Permanent Fund dividend.
Reps. DeLena Johnson, a Palmer Republican, and Nome Democrat Neal Foster, both co-chairs of the House Finance Committee, watch operating budget debates Monday.
Three-quarters of House members were required to approve drawing from savings to bridge the state’s fiscal gap, and to pay for a temporary funding boost for education. The supermajority vote also failed along caucus lines with the minority caucus and Eastman voting against the plan. But there could a second chance for the three-quarters vote after final budget negotiations are completed.
Johnson said there would be “very slight increases” to the budget to pay for additional law enforcement officers and housing for Alaska State Troopers. There would be $4.5 million appropriated for the state of Alaska to takefrom the federal government of permitting wetlands for development, which the Senate blocked in 2022.
The Alaska House advanced the operating budget Monday on a 27-13 vote, along caucus lines on April 17, 2023. on a 12-28 vote earlier in April, with several minority Democrats joining Republicans in supporting the larger dividend figure. Minority proposals to add funding for child care, mental health and student school transportation were rejected along caucus lines.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alaska House advances budget with a $2,700 PFD, school-funding boost and a substantial deficitThe Alaska House advanced its version of the operating budget, which is projected to create a $600-million deficit by paying a $2,700 PFD and making a one-time $175 million boost to public schools.
Read more »
‘We’re taking this very seriously’: NY wildfires burn more than 700 acres of landThe state’s Department of Environmental Conservation enacted a burn ban until May 14, where leaving a fire unattended can result in a hefty fine.
Read more »
Lilly adds another $1.6B, 200 jobs to Boone County projectEli Lilly is now committing $3.7B and 700 jobs to a project in Boone County.
Read more »
NASA releases image of 2 spiral galaxies merging in 'enormous burst' 250 million light-years awayNASA said the collision of the two spiral galaxies began about 700 million years ago.
Read more »
Mayor Bronson fills some open positions, Alaska legislators try to settle on a PFD $ amount and what's going on in Albania (really) - Alaska's News SourceMayor Bronson lost a key employee, but gained a couple as well. Plus his spokesman says progress is being made on filling other positions. Plus, there's just about a month left in the legislative session in Juneau. What's up with the PFD, education spending and 'parental rights?' And yes, we really do discuss Albania this week. Enjoy
Read more »
IRS exempts tax on $662 energy relief portion of 2022 PFDThe agency said Alaska’s Energy Relief Payment, worth $662, will be tax-exempt and does not need to be included on tax forms.
Read more »