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DFCS presents FY26 budget overview to House Finance subcommittee, cites 1.4% increase and revenue reviews
Summary
Department of Family and Community Services told the House Finance Family and Community Services Subcommittee the Governor's FY26 budget is 1.4% above the FY25 management plan, driven mainly by technical salary adjustments; the department is reviewing restricted revenue sources after noting $4.4 million in unutilized UGF authority in FY24.
The Department of Family and Community Services presented its FY26 budget overview to the House Finance Family and Community Services Subcommittee on Feb. 6, 2025, saying the Governor's proposal increases the department's budget 1.4% above the FY25 management plan and that most of the change reflects technical salary adjustments.
Assistant Commissioner Marion Sweet told the panel that FY24 actuals, the FY25 management plan and the FY26 proposed budget show a modest net increase. "The increase that you will see in our '26 budget above our '25 management plan is 1.4% of the total budget," Sweet said, adding the majority of the request is technical salary adjustments.
Sweet noted the department identified 1.8% ($4.4 million) of unutilized unrestricted general fund (UGF) authority in FY24, primarily in grant lines. She said DFCS is conducting a review of restricted revenue sources to better estimate historical and anticipated lapses and to inform future budget true-ups.
Why it matters: DFCS oversees several large programs for vulnerable Alaskans, and relatively small percentage shifts in the department's budget can affect direct services. Commissioner Kim Koval told lawmakers DFCS will continue deeper division-level briefings through February.
Supporting details: The department described four main operating divisions: Alaska Pioneer Homes, the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, the Division of Juvenile Justice and the Office of Children's Services, plus a complex care unit and departmental support services. Sweet said internal shifts of existing funding (for example migrating a Disproportionate Share Hospital component into Departmental Support Services) explain some year-to-year changes on the department's budget slides.
The subcommittee did not vote on any budget items at the Feb. 6 meeting. Chair Andy Josephson closed the hearing and scheduled follow-up briefings later in the month.
