Alaska House Majority Coalition Highlights Progress and Bipartisanship.
As the first session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature comes to a close, the Alaska House Majority Coalition reflects on a productive and collaborative session that delivered significant results for Alaskans and laid a solid foundation for continued progress in 2026.
Despite a narrowly divided House, the Coalition, a bipartisan body, brought together Republicans, Independents, and Democrats to deliver practical, forward-looking solutions focused on education, the economy, public safety, and government modernization. The Coalition’s mission to foster “bipartisan collaboration for the benefit of all Alaskans” was central to its efforts.
Support for Education
Support for education was demonstrated through a historic vote to override the Governor’s veto of HB 57, which will now result in a permanent $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA). The Coalition also advanced innovative policies aimed at diversifying and improving educational delivery and access, such as adding a faculty member to the University of Alaska Board of Regents. Furthermore, investments were made in teacher recruitment and retention through certification incentives and apprenticeships, including the advancement of HB 28 (Teacher/State Employee Student Loan Program).
Responsible, Forward-Looking Budget
A balanced FY26 budget was passed, ensuring Alaska remains on stable financial footing and directing strategic funding towards public safety, transportation, health, and essential services. Support for early childhood education, childcare, and family well-being was expanded, with bills like HB 183 (Early Education Programs) advancing. An efficient capital budget was passed that prioritizes critical infrastructure needs, and investments were made in deferred maintenance for UA, Mt. Edgecumbe, and the top 9 projects for schools across the state.
Economic Development
To bolster economic development, childcare tax credits and grants were implemented to assist working families and grow Alaska’s workforce. Professional licensure transfers were streamlined to attract skilled workers, such as through the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. Support for the Alaska LNG project development continued, and fisheries industry reforms from the Alaska Seafood Industry Taskforce were advanced, including reduced insurance costs for commercial fishermen through HB 116. Additionally, career and technical education (CTE) and AVTEC training were expanded, and health insurance prior authorization processes were improved to reduce care delays.
Strengthening Alaska’s Fisheries
The Coalition championed significant reforms to bolster Alaska’s vital fishing industry, including reforms stemming from recommendations of the Alaska Seafood Industry Taskforce. Key measures included HB 116, enabling commercial fishermen to form insurance cooperatives to reduce costs. House Bill 31 eliminated duplicative DMV registration for active commercial fishing vessels already tracked by the CFEC. Furthermore, Senate Bill 156 addressed a financial crisis by providing temporary state investment for the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank (CFAB) to offer low-interest loans to fishermen.
Government Modernization
The corporate income tax code was updated to secure Alaska’s fair share from digital economy revenues. A new, sustainable pension option for public employees (HB 78) was created to address the workforce crisis. Limits on political campaign contributions were reinstated to restore public trust. Enhanced community input in transit and transportation planning was established through HB 26 (Statewide Public & Community Transit Plan).
Public Safety
Public safety initiatives included increased investment in rural and urban public safety staffing and facilities. Incentives for peace officer and firefighter recruitment and retention were approved. Behavioral and mental health workforce capacity was strengthened. Statutes on child sexual assault prosecution were toughened, with bills like HB 101 (Crimes Against Minors) advancing. Public health warnings on alcohol-related cancer risks were enacted, a measure championed by Representative Andrew Gray.
In addition, the House passed HJR4 to maintain Denali as the official name of North America’s tallest mountain.
“The House adjourned the first session of the 34th Alaska Legislature a day early with civility and collaboration,” said Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham). “I would like to thank my colleagues and all the support staff for their great work. We accomplished a lot this session with more work left to do.”
“Alaskans have a lot to be proud of, seeing Republicans, Independents, and Democrats work together to advance crucial legislation and responsible budgets this session,” said Majority Leader Chuck Kopp (R-Anchorage). “Politics can feel stiflingly toxic, but our Coalition has shown that even where complication and conflict exist, cooperation can win out. Life is about compromise-and in these uncertain times, bridge-building is how we move Alaska forward.”
“I am proud of our accomplishments this year. We passed education reform with a BSA increase, took care of essential services, and adopted meaningful policy that improved the lives of Alaskans; we were able to accomplish this with only 21 members and extremely low state revenue,” said House Rules Chair Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak). “I am particular pleased that we passed two of the recommendations of the seafood task force, bringing much-needed relief to Alaska’s struggling commercial fishing industry.”
As we move to the interim, the House Majority Coalition remains committed to continuing the dialogue and legislative progress that Alaskans expect and deserve, focused on building a prosperous and united Alaska.
Be the first to comment