Obituaries•
Games•
ADN Store•
e-Edition•
Sponsored Content•
Promotions
Promotions•
Get our free newsletters
Connect
Other statewide priorities include investments in renewable energy projects and housing.
Funding was also included in the budget to keep the state’s gas line corporation open for another year.
Supporters say providing contraceptives for 12 months at a time would be particularly impactful for women in rural Alaska.
The provision to increase taxes on the operator of Prudhoe Bay was removed after a fierce lobbying campaign.
The bills before the Legislature are intended to facilitate the delivery of lower-cost power between Homer and Fairbanks, and integrate more renewable energy into the Railbelt’s electric grid.
The Texas-based company warned utilities that a tax hike “would likely mean significantly shifting our capital investment.” But supporters say it would provide much-needed state revenue.
The Legislature did not have an oil and gas consultant under contract until April, which could stall some energy bills.
The judge also said the state is unlikely to overturn the decision through the Alaska Supreme Court, writing in the order that the state “has not shown a likelihood of prevailing on the merits on appeal.”
The mostly balanced budget is similar to the House’s spending plan. The bigger fights between lawmakers are expected to be on policy differences.
The omnibus bill also closes a loophole for out-of-state sex offenders and involuntary commitments.
New bills have been introduced in the wake of a judge’s ruling that state statutes allowing public funds to be spent for private and religious schooling are unconstitutional.
A budget draft approved by the Senate Finance Committee includes cash payments of around $1,600 — including the Permanent Fund dividend and an energy relief payment — per eligible Alaskan.
The House passed a non-binding resolution Wednesday calling for a 14-month stay on a court decision that blocked public funds from being used for private school tuition.
The funding boost for solar comes as legislators try to address a looming shortfall of Cook Inlet gas.
House GOP members have proposed a constitutional amendment to allow public money at private schools. Senate members want a targeted legislative fix.