Capital Budget Clash: Senate vs House

0:00Senate Finance Committee just dropped a beefed-up capital budget draft, pumping it to $247 million in state funds. That's 88 million more than Governor Dunleeb's original, $159 million ask. Most of the boost targets K-12 maintenance to fix crumbling schools. Meanwhile, the House squeezed through their operating budget on a razor-thin 21-to-19 vote straight party lines after heated fights. This capital plan clashes hard with the House's spending, which begs in a $1,500 permanent fund dividend costing the state nearly $1 billion. House version runs a deficit over $200 million, even with fresh revenue forecast from higher oil prices adding about $500 million next year. Lawmakers are split. Senate crew, led by folks like Senator Bert Stedman, prioritizes chipping away at the billions in deferred maintenance backlog, asking if we want solid schools or fat checks. House pushes bigger dividends, but even they hint it might shrink to make room, echoing last year's $1,000 payout at $600 million.

1:07Cost. Senate slotted about $100 million for maintenance, heavy on schools across spots like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Remote Villages, plus $17 million for universities and workforce training tied to potential gas lines. House tacked on $147 million, one time for K-12 ops, childcare grants, Medicaid boosts, and fire response to Dodge. Future emergencies. Expect the capital pot to swell more in the House, with talks aiming to cover half the top school fixed list by May 20th deadline. Senate now eyes the operating bill, hunting a balanced final cut amid dividend drama. Anchorage news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey with the story.