KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The proposed 25-percent cut to education, which works out to $5.8 million is what the governor wants to cut for next fiscal year—the one beginning July 1.
But Governor Dunleavy also wants to take the unprecedented action of cutting money from the current year’s budget. The one that was approved last year and on which the school district has already made financial commitments–and has already spent much of.
Kodiak schools would lose approximately $7 million dollars.
The plan is to make the cuts in what’s called the Supplemental Budget. That’s basically an adjustment to the previously approved budget for the year.
To compare it to a family budget, think about if your goal this year to setting money aside for a vacation. But then the furnace blows and needs replaced. You’d juggle family funds from different accounts or decide to tap into savings and maybe even forgo the vacation to cover the costs.
The State of Alaska makes allowances for unexpected expenses to the budget through the annual Supplemental Budget.
Kodiak Senator Gary Stevens, who, along with Rep. Louise Stutues, will be in Kodiak next Thursday, Feb. 28 for an open house to talk with constituents about the budget. It will be held at the Legislative Information Office on Center Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can listen to Maggie’s interview with Senator Stevens in its entirety here:
