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Alaska Senate Majority

Your Senate Majority for the 33rd Alaska State Legislature

04/30/2026

The Alaska Legislature has passed House Bill 78, reestablishing a defined benefit pension plan for teachers, public safety officers, and public employees. The bill now heads to Governor Dunleavy for consideration.

Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel said it best:

"Behind every unfilled position in Alaska is a classroom without a teacher, a community without a trooper, and a family without the services they were promised. Behind every position we do have filled is a public servant we cannot afford to lose. Extensive analysis shows this is a responsible pension plan that more than pays for itself in savings on training and overtime costs. Built on shared risk and years of actuarial review, economic analysis, and listening to Alaskans, this is a fiscally sound pension our communities and public servants can trust — and its automatic adjustment mechanisms ensure it stays that way."

After more than a decade of recruitment and retention challenges, Alaska is taking a fiscally responsible step to invest in the people who keep our communities running.

You can read more from the Senate Majority here: https://alaskasenate.org/press/042926_press_release.htm

04/22/2026

Yesterday, the Alaska State Senate passed the FY27 Capital Budget, and it makes Alaska's K-12 schools a top priority. Of the $88.7 million added by the Senate Finance Committee, 94% goes directly toward K-12 schools.

Here's what this budget means for Alaska's students:
$57 million for major school maintenance, funding the top 15 priority schools on the state's deferred maintenance list, and tank farm repairs at three rural schools
$17 million to replace the Stebbins school, lost to a 2024 fire
$14 million for repairs at Mt. Edgecumbe High School
$17 million for University of Alaska deferred maintenance

And that $248 million in state funds? It unlocks nearly $2 BILLION in federal matching dollars for projects across Alaska.

“The reality is that too many of our schools have deteriorated to the point where students cannot receive the quality education they deserve. One school has even collapsed. This is not acceptable in Alaska, and it is not something we can continue to ignore.” - Sen Bert Stedman

The Capital Budget now heads to the House for consideration. You can read more details on the bill here: https://alaskasenate.org/press/042126_press_release.htm

03/24/2026

Alaska is taking a major step forward to strengthen our elections.

The Legislature has passed SB 64, a bipartisan bill that improves election integrity, increases transparency, and expands eligible voter access across the state.

This legislation:
• Makes it easier for eligible Alaskans to vote
• Protects against errors and misconduct
• Adds ballot tracking and curing to ensure votes count
• Improves voter roll accuracy and election security
• Expands access in rural communities

This is what bipartisan work looks like—protecting both the integrity of our elections and the right of every Alaskan to participate.

“This bill is proof that we can still work together on the issues that matter most. SB 64 reflects a bipartisan commitment to strengthening our elections and restoring confidence for all Alaskans.” - Senator Bill Wielechowski

SB 64 now heads to the Senate for concurrence, then the Governor for consideration. You can read more about it here: https://alaskasenate.org/press/032326_press_release.htm

02/26/2026

Have your voice heard! The Senate Finance Committee will take public testimony on the state budget tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 26 at 9:00 a.m., with a focus on Juneau, Southeast, Prince William Sound, and Kodiak.

There will also be budget public testimony tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m., focusing on the regions of Nome, Bethel, Kotzebue, Utqiagvik, Unalaska, and Dillingham.

Call in from Juneau (907) 586-9085, from Anchorage (907) 563-9085 or anywhere else (844) 586-9085 or email your testimony to [email protected].

01/20/2026

Today, the Senate convened the Second Regular Session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature. The Senate will continue to build upon the priorities set out in the last legislative session to strengthen Alaska’s economy. These priorities include supporting and improving our public education, addressing public employee and teacher retirement, updating Alaska’s election laws, and tackling Alaska’s ongoing energy challenges to ensure long-term sustainability and affordability. Read more about the upcoming legislative session from Senate President Stevens here bit.ly/45nOypw

05/08/2025

Yesterday, the Alaska Senate approved a balanced and transitional operating budget for FY 2026, demonstrating a commitment to long-term financial stability while preparing the state for the challenging fiscal choices anticipated next year. This budget secures essential services, prevents unsustainable draws from savings, and establishes a $150 million buffer to help the legislature weather the coming fiscal headwinds of $300–$600 million in FY 2027.

“We’ve passed a budget that reflects the situation we’re in, not the one we wish we had,” said Senator Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel), Co-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “Revenue is down. Fixed costs are rising. We had to make choices that leave room to maneuver in FY27 to continue to provide resources to public education and maintain basic services.”

Read more about it here bit.ly/4d3DFvu

04/24/2025

Today, the Senate Finance Committee advanced a new version of House Bill 57 to increase education funding and pupil transportation. The bill would also incorporate policy initiatives to support Alaska’s charter schools, increase accountability by gathering data on students post-graduation, and establish an Education Task Force to analyze the state of public education funding and the current accountability provisions for schools. Read more about it here https://bit.ly/3YdHCYt

03/18/2025

Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee heard House Bill 69, public education funding, for the first time. They received a presentation by the bill sponsor, Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, outlining the components of the legislation. The Committee will continue hearings this week on Wednesday and Friday at 3:30 p.m. to hear from stakeholders and provide the opportunity for public testimony.

To testify, you can sign up at your local Legislative Information Office (https://akleg.gov/lios.php) or use the phone numbers listed below.

Statewide: (844) 586-9085
Anchorage: (907) 563-9085
Fairbanks: (907) 586-9085

02/28/2025

Today, Senate President Gary Stevens, and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, sent a letter to Alaska’s congressional delegation urging them to take immediate action against recent federal policies that endanger the state’s economy and the well-being of Alaskans. The letter highlights several recent federal decisions that could cost the state billions of dollars, jeopardize thousands of jobs, and destabilize essential services for low-income and rural Alaskans.

“The state cannot afford to absorb these cuts. Alaskans shouldn’t shoulder the burden to absorb these cuts,” said Senate President Stevens. “Alaska already faces significant budget challenges, and these reckless federal actions put our state’s economy at risk. We can only do so much from a state’s perspective. We are asking our delegation for a reasoned approach, and help us defend Alaska against this looming crisis.”

https://alaskasenate.org/press/022725_press_release.htm

02/04/2025

Today at 1:00 p.m., we will hold a press conference on the public education crisis in Alaska. We will have the Senate Education Committee members Chair Tobin, Sen Bjorkman, Sen Kiehl, and Sen Stevens, along with Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel and Rules Chair Sen Bill Wielechowski. You can watch the media event on Gavel Alaska here: https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/senate-majority-press-availability-2025021017/?eventID=2025021017

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