Alaska Senate Passes $373M Budget Bill

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Corey, with Anchorage News today. Alaska Senate took a big step this week by unanimously passing a supplemental budget bill. It draws $373,500,000 from the state's main savings account to fund hundreds of millions in. Government construction projects statewide. Lawmakers trimmed the plan by about 30 percent after Republican minority members pushed back on the original $1,500,000 version from the House. The bill needed a three-quarter supermajority vote because it taps the Constitutional budget reserve, giving the minority real negotiating power. Higher oil prices from global tensions also ease some budget pressures. Senators from both parties highlighted the urgency of the spending. Democrats and Republicans alike stressed covering governor-requested items like department overruns, especially in corrections. Many praise refilling the Higher Education Investment Fund, with nearly $130 million

1:00after last year's controversial tap into, scholarships. The package also sets aside tens of millions for Western Alaska storm recovery and wildfire preparation this season. Minority leaders called it a win for focusing on essentials and avoiding deeper savings draws. Now the bill heads to the House for a final up or down vote in the coming days. House leaders aim for Thursday, but the Republican minority wants to wait for Friday's new revenue forecasts before approving. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Check out the episode description. A pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately. No earbuds required. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.