11:50 a.m.
According to a report from the nonpartisan Legislative Research Division, property taxes in the Municipality of Anchorage would have to increase 25 percent to compensate for education cuts proposed in Dunleavy’s budget.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, continues to be the most vocal legislator this session, and issued a statement about this study.
“Educating our kids is not just a moral but also a constitutional obligation,” Wielechowski said in the statement. “While Gov. Dunleavy has promised no new taxes, his education cuts will shift massive new taxes and burdens onto local communities and taxpayers.”
— Alex McCarthy
10:35 a.m.
As expected, Alaskans have been vocal about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget. Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, tweeted this morning that the feedback he’s hearing has been overwhelmingly one-sided.
My constituents have told me they're "disgusted," "horrified," "appalled" by @GovDunleavy budget. Zero voters have told me they support it. I can't remember a Gov proposal over the last few years that's attracted such harsh, unanimous condemnation.#akleg
— Zack Fields (@FieldsZack) February 22, 2019
9:30 a.m.
It projects to be a quiet day at the Capitol. Currently, representatives from the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Health and Social Services are presenting to the Senate Finance Committee. Co-chair Sen. Bert Stedman is currently asking question about the future of Pioneer Homes in Alaska.
Both the House and Senate are holding floor sessions shortly, and many legislators are planning on leaving town this afternoon. Some already flew out this morning for the weekend.
— Alex McCarthy
