SB53 is the primary operating-budget bill for FY2026, authorizing approximately $9.4 billion in total spending across all funds—including the Unrestricted General Fund (UGF), federal receipts, and other state sources—for state government operations, loan programs, supplemental appropriations, and related items such as education, healthcare (including Medicaid), corrections, infrastructure, and a $1,000 Permanent Fund Dividend. It creates significant structural deficits, drains state savings, and massive increases for K-12 education.
The Alaska State Senate passed SB53 on May 7, 2025 by a vote of 16 to 4. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this budget continues to fund programs that fall outside the proper role of government, especially in education. It also commits taxpayers to a level of spending that is fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable. Such appropriations expand government; undermine limited, constitutional government; and place a heavier burden on Alaskans.
