Alaska Senate Majority

08/12/2026

“We will not commit Alaska to a deal we cannot fully see. The responsibility now is on Glenfarne and the Administration to use the rest of this year to bring the Legislature the detailed numbers this decision demands.”

Leading senators have sought a higher tax rate and expressed skepticism about the proposal.

08/11/2026

Yesterday, the Senate Majority released a position paper detailing its stance on the Alaska gas pipeline and the tax relief being sought to advance the project.

The Senate has passed two versions of the Governor’s gasline legislation. Both granted the roughly $1 billion-a-year property tax break that Glenfarne and the Governor said was critical to the project’s success.

In return, the Senate’s proposals added important protections for Alaska, including timeline assurances, liability safeguards, a closed tax loophole, and Alaska project labor and apprenticeship guarantees. The Governor declined to support either compromise.

Meanwhile, the estimated cost of the project has jumped from roughly $45 billion to $65–70 billion in just three months.

Glenfarne has said it already has the permits needed to move forward. But new information raises serious questions about whether Alaska could ultimately be left with significant financial responsibility if the developer walks away. Before the Legislature makes a decision of the magnitude, Glenfarne and the Administration need to provide the detailed financial information and assurances necessary to understand the risks to Alaska.

Alaska’s gas pipeline deserves transparency. Alaskans deserve to know the full fiscal picture and liability to the state.

Read the full position paper here: https://bit.ly/3S3oBrG

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