Alaska House votes more funding to fix food-stamp crisis, prevent budget trouble – Alaska Beacon

The Alaska Home of Representatives voted 38-1 on Wednesday to approve a fast-moving price range invoice that spends as a lot as $365 million to cowl a shortfall in state income brought on by lower-than-expected oil costs.

The invoice additionally contains $6.8 million to right away handle a disaster within the state’s food-stamp program. Staffing shortages have created big delays for food-stamp recipients, and 

The so-called “quick monitor” invoice handed Wednesday covers bills within the state price range by means of June 30. Which means the cash could possibly be used instantly, as a substitute of after July 1, the beginning of the brand new price range.

If the Legislature fails to approve the fast-track invoice, it dangers leaving the state with out adequate cash to complete the price range yr. 

Different main gadgets within the invoice embrace funding for the 2 state businesses that present prison authorized protection for Alaskans who can’t afford attorneys. Earlier this yr, public defenders stated they’d start refusing main prison protection instances in Bethel and Nome due to understaffing. That might violate the Alaska Structure, which mandates that the state present prison protection attorneys for individuals who can’t afford them.

The fast-track invoice additionally covers a deficit created by lower-than-expected oil costs.

The deficit is roughly $247 million, stated Rep. Delena Johnson, R-Palmer and co-chair of the Home Finance Committee, however the invoice additionally contains “a most of $115 million” to cowl beforehand unexpected bills, together with a part of final yr’s wildfire season.

Home lawmakers voted down an modification from Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, that might have added funding for prosecutors to start instantly implementing a invoice that redefines the definition of sexual assault.

Underneath the brand new definition, authorized by lawmakers final yr, a sufferer doesn’t must verbally say “no” to ensure that against the law to be labeled as sexual assault. 

Josephson’s modification failed on a vote of 13-26, which means that full enforcement could start July 1 except the Senate amends the invoice.

Cash to cowl the prices of the invoice will come from the state’s Constitutional Funds Reserve, a financial savings account that accommodates about $2 billion.

Spending from the reserve requires a three-quarters vote of the Home and a three-quarters vote of the Senate.

The invoice handed 38-1, with solely Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, opposed. Rep. Josiah Patkotak, I-Utqiagvik, was excused absent. 

The vote to spend from the price range reserve was 35-4, with Reps. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River; Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski; Sarah Vance, R-Homer; and Eastman opposed.

The invoice advances to the Senate, the place lawmakers are anticipated to approve it.