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Tribal coalitions and rural leaders press for VPSO support, school maintenance and behavioral‑health grants
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Summary
Representatives of Maniilaq Association and the Alaska Regional Coalition urged the Senate Finance Committee to preserve VPSO funding increments, include major maintenance for rural schools, pass a state‑tribal education compact, and strengthen state behavioral‑health grant programs.
Grace Renee Singh, general counsel for Maniilaq Association and representative of the Alaska Regional Coalition (ARC), told the Senate Finance Committee that tribal regional providers remain essential partners in delivering health, behavioral health, public safety, workforce and judicial services across Northwest Alaska.
Singh thanked the Legislature for VPSO (Village Public Safety Officer) program growth but urged that proposed budget increments to address inflation and expand VPSO numbers be preserved, stressing that position funding must be accompanied by operational supports such as housing, equipment, training and intergovernmental partnerships. She also asked the Legislature to include major maintenance funding for rural public schools and to consider passage of a state‑tribal education compact.
Carol Piscoya (community services vice president) made similar points about funding positions versus funding the operational structure that makes public‑safety programs effective. Both speakers urged the committee to consider equitable regional budgeting to prevent rural communities from losing services.
No formal direction or commitments were made during the hearing; testimony was entered into the budget record for committee consideration.
