Senate finance committee rejects fast‑track amendment to Alaska supplemental budget

Chair Senator Hoffman convened the Senate Finance Committee March 3 to consider House Bill 289, the fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget. Senator Kaufman moved Amendment No. 1, saying it would ‘‘get back to a fast track concept’’ by narrowing the supplemental to emergency response funding, fire suppression and DOT match dollars so critical projects and contractors could proceed.

Kaufman argued the narrowed approach would avoid a large draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) and speed funding for urgent needs. ‘‘Let’s get this piece done,’’ he said, urging colleagues to pass a smaller package rather than risk a stalemate that leaves essential projects unfunded.

Chair Senator Hoffman opposed the amendment, calling it inconsistent with the purpose of a supplemental, which he said should address agency formula and non‑formula shortfalls that the administration requested. Hoffman also warned against assuming near‑term revenue gains, saying, "I don't think that we are going to see between now and June 30 additional revenue to to the tune of $530,000,000 to balance this budget." He noted that some items in the supplemental—disaster relief, fire suppression and capital projects—would require a three‑quarters vote if funded from the CBR.

After further discussion, the committee took a roll call on Kaufman’s amendment; the amendment failed. Senator Stedman then moved that the committee substitute for HB 289 be reported from committee with attached fiscal notes and individual recommendations. There was no objection and the substitute was reported out of committee.

The committee paused briefly to sign the report. No final dollar totals or specific line‑item changes were resolved on the record during this session; the committee vote moved the substitute forward for consideration by the next stages of the Legislature.