Alaska Senate's Budget Proposal: Balancing Act

0:00Alaska's Center Finance Committee just dropped their operating budget proposal, aiming to balance it all on current revenues without touching savings. Unlike the House version that squeezed out almost nothing for capital projects without going into the red, this one carves out space for statewide, infrastructure needs while keeping things tight. Meanwhile, they kept some house wins for schools but tied them to oil prices. Districts could snag up to $100 million in one-time cash if crude averages around $91 a barrel through the fiscal year, and plus $29 million more for energy costs. That's less than the House's 148 million unconditional aid. Senators are calling it a solid compromise. Juno Democrat Jesse Kiel says it meets core needs but skimps on direct help for folks hit by sky-high energy bills. Talk Republican Mike Cronk, the minority leader, wants even deeper cuts to avoid bloating programs long-term. The big question mark is that proposed $150 energy relief check for Alaskans.

1:03Chief fiscal analyst Alexi Painer warns it hinges on a surplus from last year that might not even show up, depending on actual revenues rolling in. They also axed House extras like $11 million for school buses and $17 million to restart heating aid. Amendments hit Friday with the full budget due by mid-May as one of the session's final acts. All-makers are hustling to lock this in before adjourning. I'm Cory with the story and you've been listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news.