 Bi-partisan Olive Branch Becomes Vehicle for Deal May 11, 2004
"We struck the three-quarter deal on the education budget, but because of the lateness of the session, Senate Bill 283 became an efficient way to deal with this year's capital budget as well," said Senate President Gene Therriault (R-North Pole). Senate Finance Co-Chair Gary Wilken said the budget will keep Alaska growing. "The capital budget that we passed for '05 is $1.6 billion to build Alaska, to keep Alaskans working and to provide the infrastructure so we can grow the economy. Once again, the State is able to maximize more than $1.4 billion in federal monies with less than $200 million in State money. Yet the money is allocated wisely, making it a robust budget that touches every person in every corner of Alaska. The Senate and House are proud of it and encourage its passage so we can get on with building Alaska," Sen. Wilken said. Speaker Pete Kott (R-Eagle River) said of the compromise, "This bill has been a long time coming. It's the culmination of extensive effort by legislators and staff, working together in a civil manner, to create a funding solution that has bipartisan support. This legislature makes clear that education is a top priority in Alaska." "This is a major achievement," said Senate Minority Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage). "We are pleased to direct more new money to public school students than in any previous year." Senate Bill 283 includes:
Portions of the bill are contingent on a three-quarters vote of the Legislature to approve using money from the Constitutional Budget Reserve to make up possible shortfalls in the FY 04 and 05 operating budgets, and restore money to be transferred into the CBR at the end of the 2004 and 2005 fiscal years under a constitutional provision requiring that general fund sub-accounts be "swept" into the Budget Reserve at the end of each fiscal year. Sponsored by Bethel Democrat Lyman Hoffman, Senate Bill 283 was originally a bi-partisan effort to address the consequences of a lack of three-quarters vote on the Constitutional Budget Reserve at the end of last session, and passed the Senate unanimously Feb. 16. The House amended the bill March 8 and a House and Senate Conference Committee settled on Monday's agreement. "This is a major achievement for public school students statewide, said Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage). "I've made it my life's work to look out for our children. Tonight I can say we've made a difference." Democratic legislators said Alaska schools this year face what some districts say are the worst budget cuts ever. Inflation and higher overhead costs, combined with under-funded government mandates, have proven to be a recipe for devastation in schools statewide. "I stand here proud to report the legislature took a bold step this year with public education funding," said Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage). "For years the Democratic legislators called for adequate funding for education, and this year our colleagues from both sides of the aisle heard the call." Democratic legislators said there is still a long way to go. Inflation proofing the education funding formula, directing adequate resources to comply with No Child Left Behind, and recalibrating the high school exit exam to accommodate those with learning disabilities remain priorities for Democrats. "Education is our top priority, and that is reflected in our package," said Senator Donny Olson (D-Nome). "Added up, this deal represents a bit over $90 million in new money for K-12 education." "I stand here proud to report the legislature took a bold step this year with public education funding," said Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage). "For years the Democratic legislators called for adequate funding for education, and this year our colleagues from both sides of the aisle heard the call." Democratic legislators said there is still a long way to go. Inflation proofing the education funding formula, directing adequate resources to comply with No Child Left Behind, and recalibrating the high school exit exam to accommodate those with learning disabilities remain priorities for Democrats. "We still have work to do," said Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). "We hope the Governor will sign this quickly so districts know the money is coming." The Conference Committee recommendation now goes back to both the House and Senate for a vote on concurrence.
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