Juneau, AK — Today, the Alaska House of Representatives passed the operating budget for fiscal year 2026 on a caucus line vote of 21-19. Members of the Alaska House Republican Caucus voiced strong concerns about the overall size, structure and unsustainability of the budget and ultimately could not support it in its current form.
Throughout the budget process, House Republican caucus members put forward numerous amendments to rein in spending, promote efficiency and chart a more sustainable path for Alaska’s finances. These good-faith efforts to reduce the cost of government and protect long-term fiscal stability were repeatedly rejected by the House Democrat Majority coalition. Despite this, Republican members remained fully engaged in the process and will continue advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes fiscal responsibility.
Statements from House Republican Caucus Members:
Rep. Mia Costello (R-Anchorage), House Republican Caucus Leader:
“If nothing else we had an opportunity to further open the state of Alaska for expansive and potentially prosperous resource development for decades to come through an amendment to establish our 404 primacy rights, to take back control of what is rightfully ours as Alaskans. But we were denied even that.”
Rep. Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla), House Republican Caucus Whip
“We were implored to help. There were many alternative solutions put forward and they were not chosen. From a 1% to a 2.5% cut, but neither of these were taken up. What are we going to do for the future of this state?”
Rep. DeLena Johnson (R-Palmer), House Finance Committee Member:
“It is our departments’ job to ask for money. Our job this year was to say no, but we haven’t done that. We know many items in this budget are performative and will either be stripped out or vetoed. We’ve stood ready to help and asked what we’d do differently. I wouldn’t have done those things right now, I would have started this balancing process a long time ago.”
Rep. Will Stapp (R-Fairbanks), House Finance Committee Member:
“The minority offered specific cuts and we offered generic cuts. We offered hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts and just about all of them were denied. The majority says it wants us to help or we will end up in a special session. How else are we supposed to help?”
Rep. Frank Tomaszewski (R-Fairbanks), House Finance Committee Member:
“This budget takes $2500 from every man woman and child in Alaska. This budget tells them that we think we know how to spend your money better than you do. I disagree, Alaskans know how to spend their PFD better than the state. I hope we can do better in the future.”
Rep. Jamie Allard (R- Eagle River) House Finance Committee Member:
“For this entire process, the lines were divided. There was a mission at hand to push through a plan, regardless of what I personally brought forward, or other members of our caucus brought to the table. Let’s be honest with Alaskans; there is not going to be a $1000 BSA increase. It’s just not going to happen.”
Rep. Elexie Moore (R-Wasilla):
“Fiscal discipline isn’t optional. The Majority made a choice to pass a budget that doesn’t balance, and that choice has consequences for every Alaskan.”
Rep. Jubilee Underwood (R-Wasilla):
“This budget process felt a lot like robbing Peter to pay Paul. The folks in my district and across Alaska expect us to make difficult choices and to spend within our means. Not only does this budget not do that, it makes promises it can’t keep.”
Rep. Kevin McCabe (R-Big Lake):
“I’m ashamed of this budget, and I wish I could vote for something even less than no. We have one job, and this budget fails to accomplish that.”
Rep. Dan Saddler (R-Chugiak):
“We saw this body give in to its desire for spending. There’s never been “enough money.” It’s our job to be realistic and fund appropriately. This budget ultimately reflects a failure of will, a failure of responsibility, and a failure of leadership. We can do better.”
Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer):
“Everyone here knows the at all the promises in this budget won’t be kept. Not only in the dividend, but also education funding. We’re giving false hope and not being honest.”
Rep. George Rauscher (R-Sutton):
“First we saw adults, children and babies give up $2500.00 from their PFD to make room for more spending, but a refusal to balance the budget first.”
The Alaska House Republicans will continue to work toward a more fiscally responsible outcome as the budget moves to the Senate for consideration. The caucus remains committed to advocating for policies that put Alaska on a more stable and sustainable path and constrains government spending.