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The judge also said the state is unlikely to overturn the decision through the Alaska Supreme Court, writing in the order that the state “has not shown a likelihood of prevailing on the merits on appeal.”
The mostly balanced budget is similar to the House’s spending plan. The bigger fights between lawmakers are expected to be on policy differences.
The omnibus bill also closes a loophole for out-of-state sex offenders and involuntary commitments.
New bills have been introduced in the wake of a judge’s ruling that state statutes allowing public funds to be spent for private and religious schooling are unconstitutional.
A budget draft approved by the Senate Finance Committee includes cash payments of around $1,600 — including the Permanent Fund dividend and an energy relief payment — per eligible Alaskan.
The House passed a non-binding resolution Wednesday calling for a 14-month stay on a court decision that blocked public funds from being used for private school tuition.
The funding boost for solar comes as legislators try to address a looming shortfall of Cook Inlet gas.
House GOP members have proposed a constitutional amendment to allow public money at private schools. Senate members want a targeted legislative fix.
The governor floated an “education dividend” to replace correspondence program allotments.
The state owes $17.5 million to four school districts after not adequately funding them during the COVID-19 pandemic, the feds said.
Over 20,000 correspondence students in Alaska could see significant changes to their education under the ruling late Friday.
The operating and capital budgets were exchanged in the second-floor hallway of the state Capitol to a large crowd of legislators and staff.
The proposed amendment needed 27 votes to advance to the Senate. It fell five votes short.
Taking into account other bills that are expected to pass along with the capital budget, the House’s spending plan was expected to be at least $276 million in deficit.
The Dunleavy administration introduced the bill after extended protests in the Lower 48 and Europe have blocked roadways.