The Alaska House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2002 on Monday, July 29.
S.B. 2002 funds the capital budget, which allows Alaska’s private sector to access $1 billion in federal funds for highway and construction projects.
The legislation also contains important “reverse sweep” language, which reverses the governor’s unprecedented action to zero out university scholarships for 12,000 students, increase rural energy rates by eliminating Power Cost Equalization, and take away grants from organizations that serve domestic violence victims and the homeless.
Because the Senate previously passed S.B. 2002 with a three-quarter supermajority, as the House did today on a 31-to-7 vote, the “reverse sweep” process is final and binding. The governor could, however, veto line items contained within the capital budget.
“Today’s vote provides certainty that our private sector will have the resources needed to build Alaska. It also restores confidence for Alaskans that the Legislature is willing to set aside disagreements and vote for good legislation,” House Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham) said. “I personally thank every member who voted for this bill, and I remain committed to finding compromise on the many other important issues ahead.”
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