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| Courtesy of Ron Niebrugge |
They took a long time in getting to Governor Bill Walker’s desk, but both the Alaska State Capital and Operating Budgets got passing grades for education funding.
Senator Tom Begich (D-DJ): “The Capital Budget continues to support deferred maintenance of schools, which has been neglected for years. That is a superb outcome. In terms of the Operating Budget, it ensures that there is full funding for education, at least at the prior year levels, and increases the opportunity for Pre-K in rural areas. Both of these are tremendously positive impacts for rural schools.”
For schools that had braced for deep cuts – the flat funding was a win. Fears were that education cuts would be significant, the Senate originally proposed a near 6% decrease in funding. The Final Compromise was by no means unanimous.
The Alaska State House Republicans from the area between Eagle River and North Pole voted against the final budget. The sole State Senator who voted against the proposition represents the same area.
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| Senator Tom Begich |
Although funding for education is one of the few things that are mandated by the Alaska State constitution, the clause simply states that, “The legislature shall by general law establish and maintain a system of public schools open to all children of the State, and may provide for other public educational institutions.”
Unlike the Capital Budget, there is no formula that demands what percentage of State funds must be expended to that end. Lawmakers are suggesting that the fight for keeping even flat funding for schools is going to be a scuffle next session.
Senator Tom Begich (D-DJ): “That’s likely the primary point of pressure will be on education funding, ..particularly the Senate will focus on cutting education funding. If parents care they should become engaged and telling their Senators to support full funding of education.”
As aired on KSRM News:
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