Gov. Mike Dunleavy's proposed budget for this year took deep whacks at multiple state programs vital to rural Alaska.
Those include Alaska’s Medicaid program and school district funding. Public safety funding also took a hit. For Medicaid, Gov. Dunleavy proposes to cut more than 33 percent of the state’s matching funds, or roughly $225 million. By law, Alaska has to match federal funds for Medicaid and any changes to restrict or eliminate the program must be done by statute. For school districts, Gov. Dunleavy proposed to slash 23 percent of funding for K-12 education. Gov. Dunleavy also wants to cut $26 million for public safety.
House District 38 Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky, a Bethel Democrat, had vowed to protect these programs from potential cuts throughout her campaign last year.
"Although we continue to analyze the budget, it is clear these cuts would have far-reaching and devastating impacts to communities across the state," Zulkosky said in a statement to KYUK. "I am particularly concerned about the potential closure of rural schools; barriers to comprehensive, timely, and affordable healthcare for those barely above the poverty line; and inadequate public safety services in rural communities.”
Zulkosky says that her office will continue to work with lawmakers and Gov. Dunleavy’s administration to ensure that these programs continue. Zulkosky has not received her committee assignments yet.