Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Kaufman
For Immediate Release: March 16, 2026
Senate Republicans Craft Fast-Track Budget Compromise
Senator James Kaufman
JUNEAU – Today the Alaska State Senate passed the Supplemental Budget in a unanimous vote. The original bill presented to the Senate was the largest Supplemental Budget in state history costing $520 million. However, after working constructively with the Majority to craft a compromise amendment, the Senate Republican Caucus was able to reduce the cost – resulting in a spending decrease of more than 30%.
According to Senate Minority Leader Mike Cronk (R – Tok / Northway), “The Supplemental Budget addresses the three key issues presented by Governor Dunleavy – Typhoon Halong relief money, funding for fire suppression, and the state match for critical infrastructure projects slated for this summer’s construction season.”
“We have been working hard in the last few weeks to make sure our contractors get the funding they need to ensure our summer construction season can move forward—and I’m glad that our work paid off today,” said Finance Committee member Senator James Kaufman (R -- Anchorage). “Now that our immediate needs are taken care of, I look forward to working with government agencies who overspent their budget this year on how we can help them live within their means going forward.”
The budget will be funded with a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve, which required a ¾ vote of the Senate to pass.
The Senate Republican Caucus recognizes how challenging our current fiscal restraints make the budgeting process, and we appreciate the Majority for engaging in good-faith negotiations. We look forward to continued constructive dialogue as we navigate the 2026 Legislative Session.
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