HB114 initiates universal, voluntary, high-quality Pre-K and targeted reading intervention programs across Alaska. While the Pre-K element is certainly a win, we remain sensitive to equity concerns raised for rural Alaska and Alaska Native students in regards to the reading intervention portion of this legislation. Programs sunset in FY2034. (SB111 inserted as amend.)
SB34 directs the State Board of Education to partner with Alaska Tribes and Tribal organizations in creating a model program for future state-tribal compact schools.
HB184 codifies the Tribal Child Welfare Compact, an historic state-tribal partnership transferring specific child welfare and prevention services from OCS to Tribes.
HB168 – Directs the State of Alaska to allow for electronic application/signature for a variety of state benefits, including Medicaid.
HB 265 codifies pandemic-related telehealth flexibilities and expands Alaska Medicaid coverage.
EO 121 splits Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) into two more manageable Departments: the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Family & Community Services (DFCS). ACT took a neutral position, but served as a lead contact for DHSS in convening and communicating with nonprofit community partners.
Budget wins include the addition of $3.7M in PRe-K grants (for a total of $5.7M), full funding of K-12 Education plus one-time additional funds of $57M (to account for inflation/increased costs per student), a $10M Office of Children’s Services Support Package, the addition of $3.4M to the Tribal Child Welfare Compact (for a total of $5M), and $750K in grants to ACT for after school programs (for a total of $2M).