2026-01-23                     House Journal                      Page 1480
HB 275                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 275 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to an appropriation limit; and providing for an                                                           
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-01-23                     House Journal                      Page 1481
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1. Zero, Office of the Governor                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows:                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Edgmon:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the statutory                                                                
appropriation limit. Current law allows total appropriations to grow by                                                         
up to five percent plus population and inflation. This bill sets a more                                                         
disciplined standard by limiting appropriations in a fiscal year to no                                                          
more than one percent above the prior fiscal year.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Alaskans deserve a stable, rules-based fiscal system that avoids the                                                            
boom-and-bust cycle and reduces pressure for new taxes. A                                                                       
meaningful limit on spending growth will protect essential services,                                                            
improve budget predictability, and keep the size of government                                                                  
aligned with what Alaskans can sustain over time.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
This measure is part of a broader approach to restoring trust in state                                                          
finances, controlling growth in government, and ensuring long-term                                                              
fiscal certainty.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"