The increase to K-12 funding, not yet final, is another step in ongoing negotiations about the proper amount of state funding for public schools here. (From alaskabeacon)
At right, Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, talks to fellow members of the Alaska House as they discuss a budget amendment brought by Cronk on Monday, April 3, 2023.
In addition to boosting school funding, the House on Monday voted to restore funding for a proposal that would have the state take over a federal program that regulates construction permits in wetland areas, and it confirmed House lawmakers’ support for a $2,700 Permanent Fund dividend. Monday’s 39-1 vote on an amendment from Rep. Delena Johnson, R-Palmer and co-chair of the House Finance Committee, adds almost $175 million to the latest draft of the state budget. That’s enough to increase the BSA by $860, to $6,610 per student. That amount is multiplied for students with special needs and those in rural areas.
Johnson said a permanent increase is unlikely to pass the Legislature this year, requiring temporary action by the Legislature. “It is a solution to balance the budget this year. A free ride dies hard, and it’s not going away any time soon, and we need to make sure we can pay our bills,” she said.The House voted 22-18 to restore $4.9 million that wouldSupporters of the idea say that it could lead to faster permitting for small construction projects. Opponents say the state is grossly understating the cost of the proposal.
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