State Senate Approves Budget Compromise

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Senate has voted to accept a budget proposal that, without the support of House Democrats, could leave state government partially funded.

The House’s Democratic-led minority has opposed cuts to education included in the budget, as well as the budget’s rejection of negotiated pay raises for labor union contracts for next year, among other things. Democratic support is important in the House to authorize a draw from the constitutional budget reserve to cover costs of state government.

The budget proposal would use money previously set aside for schools to help cover this year’s deficit. To fund schools for the coming fiscal year, the committee proposed a blend of funds, including $157 million from an in-state gas pipeline fund.

A draw from reserves would be needed to fund state government next year.