The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Capitol Live: Gov proposes cutting $20M of already-approved education funding

Keep up with live updates of legislature.

5 p.m.

Here’s what some on social media are saying about the proposed budget:

Read what Juneau School District’s Superintendent thinks about the proposed budget here: Here’s how Dunleavy’s proposed budget cuts would affect Juneau schools

Mollie Barnes

3 p.m.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed a $20 million cut to education in his supplemental budget bill, which was referred to the Senate Finance Committee this morning morning.

Supplemental budget bills amend the current budget, and typically move unused funds from one department to another.

In May 2018, legislators passed a $20 million appropriation to be distributed among Alaska’s school districts during the current fiscal year. Dunleavy’s proposal essentially nixes the $20 million appropriation approved by legislators last year.

Read our full coverage here: Gov proposes slashing education by $20 million

— Kevin Baird

12:15 p.m.

A supplemental budget bill was introduced on the Senate floor today, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to tackle the bill Tuesday morning. The supplemental budget bill proposes amendments for fiscal 2019, which is the current fiscal year.

Oftentimes, supplemental budgets move unused funds from one department to another.

One notable budget amendment being proposed is $3.5 million toward the Alaska State Troopers. Although notable, it is not surprising considering Gov. Mike Dunleavy has plans to bolster law enforcement in Alaska.

In addition, Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson introduced Senate Bill 40 to designate February as Black History Month, in Alaska. It has been referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee.

Foggy conditions prevented some legislators from returning to Juneau Monday morning. There were only 12 senators on the floor today, but that was still enough for enough for a quorum to conduct business.

The House held a technical session.

— Kevin Baird

8:30 a.m.

Here’s what’s happening today at the Alaska State Capitol:

Permanent Fund Corp. CEO Angela Rodell will give an update at 1 p.m. in the Adams Room 519.

There will be a public testimony by Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang, Department of Fish & Game. Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed him as acting commissioner, the next step will be for the legislature to confirm him in the permanent role. He will give his testimony at 3:30 p.m. in the Butrovich Room 205.

— Mollie Barnes

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