JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The Alaska Senate is proposing school funding cuts and phasing out a scholarship program the Senate majority says hasn’t met expectations.
Senate Finance Committee Co-Chair Lyman Hoffman says a $69-million cut to a school funding formula is being considered as part of a larger budget-cutting strategy.
The Senate also is proposing steps intended to improve education, including repurposing a fund for scholarships to instead provide education innovation grants.
Under one proposal, this year’s high school graduating class would be the last to receive merit-based scholarships.
Senate Majority Leader Peter Micciche says educators unhappy with the proposed cut should urge House passage of legislation that would use Alaska oil-wealth fund earnings to fill much of the state’s deficit.
He says lawmakers could then better evaluate any remaining gaps.
House majority leaders have said they want a more comprehensive fiscal plan.
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