Alaska Senate Pushes for Education Fund

It's April 2nd, you're listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news.

Alaska Senate just dropped a big move, passing a resolution 17-3 to push for a constitutional

amendment.

This would let lawmakers set up a dedicated fund just for education spending.

Right now, the state constitution blocks those kinds of funds, but if voters approve it

later, schools could get steady cash without the yearly drama.

The vote cleared the two-thirds mark needed, and now it heads to the House for the same hurdle.

If they pass it too, the question hits the November general election ballot, no veto from

the governor required.

Lawmakers are required by the Constitution to fund public schools, but districts say the

money isn't keeping pace with rising costs.

Schools statewide are hurting bad, with multi-million dollar shortfalls, dropping enrollment,

closed buildings, staff cuts, and bigger classes.

Two districts even sued the state in January, calling the funding woefully short on inflation.

Last big amendment was in 2004, after the 1976-1 that birthed the permanent fund from

oil bucks.

Supporters like Senator Lyman Hoffman argue it elevates education and might make folks

cooler with new taxes if the dough goes straight to schools.

Critics, including Senator Robert Myers, worry it ties lawmakers' hands on shifting

needs like health care or fishing game.

Even some Republicans cross lines to vote yes, showing bipartisan vibes.

Meanwhile, Senator Bill Walshowski admits the no-dedicated funds rule usually works, but

education keeps falling short year after year.

If the House jumps on board, Alaska voters could lock in better school support this fall

eyes on that next vote to see if it sticks.