All 40 members of the House were present in Juneau Monday, April 3, 2023 to debate amendments to the operating budget.
Johnson said a one-time boost would allow debates on the formula to continue next year. The amendment contains contingency language that the funding would be removed if a bill to permanently increase the BSA passes the Legislature this year. Lawmakers huddle together and discuss a budget amendment during debates on the House floor, April 3, 2023.
Ruffridge said in an interview Friday that he saw the $680 figure as a “starting point,” indicating he was open to a larger funding increase once some of the broader fiscal questions in the Legislature were settled. “In the Alaska State Legislature, if you’re not thinking strategically, and trying to get as many irons in the fire, you’re not going to be able to pivot or take a different approach when an opportunity arises,” said Tobin.with a one-time $57 million school funding injection outside of the formula, equaling out to a 0.5% BSA increase and a roughly $222 boost outside of formula funding.
Good. The schools are in need of more funding…
Nope.