From left to right, House Majority Leader Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River; Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla; and Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla; listen to House Clerk Kris Jones during a break in the session of the Alaska House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Photo by James Brooks / Alaska Beacon)

From left to right, House Majority Leader Dan Saddler, R-Eagle River; Speaker of the House Cathy Tilton, R-Wasilla; and Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla; listen to House Clerk Kris Jones during a break in the session of the Alaska House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Photo by James Brooks / Alaska Beacon)

Alaska House votes more funding to fix food-stamp crisis, prevent budget trouble

Bill includes $6.8 million to immediately address a crisis in the state’s food-stamp program.

The Alaska House of Representatives voted 38-1 on Wednesday to approve a fast-moving budget bill that spends as much as $365 million to cover a shortfall in state revenue caused by lower-than-expected oil prices.

The bill also includes $6.8 million to immediately address a crisis in the state’s food-stamp program. Staffing shortages have created huge delays for food-stamp recipients, and

The so-called “fast track” bill passed Wednesday covers expenses in the state budget through June 30. That means the money could be used immediately, instead of after July 1, the start of the new budget.

If the Legislature fails to approve the fast-track bill, it risks leaving the state without sufficient money to finish the budget year.

Other major items in the bill include funding for the two state agencies that provide criminal legal defense for Alaskans who cannot afford attorneys. Earlier this year, public defenders said they would begin refusing major criminal defense cases in Bethel and Nome because of understaffing. That could violate the Alaska Constitution, which mandates that the state provide criminal defense attorneys for people who cannot afford them.

The fast-track bill also covers a deficit created by lower-than-expected oil prices.

The deficit is approximately $247 million, said Rep. Delena Johnson, R-Palmer and co-chair of the House Finance Committee, but the bill also includes “a maximum of $115 million” to cover previously unforeseen expenses, including part of last year’s wildfire season.

House lawmakers voted down an amendment from Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, that would have added funding for prosecutors to begin immediately implementing a bill that redefines the definition of sexual assault.

Under the new definition, approved by lawmakers last year, a victim does not have to verbally say “no” in order for a crime to be classified as sexual assault.

Josephson’s amendment failed on a vote of 13-26, meaning that full enforcement may begin July 1 unless the Senate amends the bill.

Money to cover the costs of the bill will come from the state’s Constitutional Budget Reserve, a savings account that contains about $2 billion.

Spending from the reserve requires a three-quarters vote of the House and a three-quarters vote of the Senate.

The bill passed 38-1, with only Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, opposed. Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiagvik, was excused absent.

The vote to spend from the budget reserve was 35-4, with Reps. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River; Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski; Sarah Vance, R-Homer; and Eastman opposed.

The bill advances to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to approve it.

• James Brooks is a longtime Alaska reporter, having previously worked at the Anchorage Daily News, Juneau Empire, Kodiak Mirror and Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. This article originally appeared online at alaskabeacon.com. Alaska Beacon, an affiliate of States Newsroom, is an independent, nonpartisan news organization focused on connecting Alaskans to their state government.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of April 13

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Josh Chevalier, chief engineer of the MV Columbia, shows legislators the engine control room, and explains the control and monitoring systems on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
‘Out of sight, out of mind’: Engineers are the ones who keep state ferries moving

Challenges of workforce recruitment and retention persist in globally competitive maritime industry.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, April 14, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Tuesday, April 15, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, April 16, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska) speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy’s veto of education funding bill puts pressure on lawmakers during final month of session

Governor also previews new bill with $560 BSA increase, plus additional funds for policy initiatives.

Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, takes questions from delegates at its 90th annual Tribal Assembly on Wednesday at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Large advances, challenges to Tlingit and Haida’s sovereignty highlighted in State of the Tribe address

Emergency response during last year’s record flood a landmark moment, but Trump’s policies a concern.

Flags fly outside the Juneau Arts and Culture Center on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, shortly before the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council’s 50-year anniversary celebration the same week. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau Arts and Humanities Council bans DEI on ‘public facing documents’ due to funding threat

Executive director: No events cancelled, “racial equity” and other deleted website content being rewritten.

Most Read