Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Kaufman
For Immediate Release: March 04, 2025
Senate Republicans Promote Fiscal Solutions
Senator James Kaufman
JUNEAU – On Monday, the Alaska Senate Republican Caucus presented a bill package providing answers to the state’s fiscal dilemma.
The package includes a GDP-based spending cap, requiring goals and deliverables for state departments, a sunset commission that evaluates government agencies, along with restructuring and constitutionalizing the permanent fund investment framework and withdrawal rate.
The goal of the Caucus is to utilize these bills to protect Alaska’s business climate, slow government growth, and develop the private sector.
The press conference centered on four bills the six caucus members are currently cosponsoring: SJR 4, SJR 5, SB 37, and SB 107. These bills will all assist in promoting fiscal responsibility within our state.
Senator James Kaufman (R – Anchorage) introduced SJR 4, SJR 5, and SB 37. “The idea is to create more stability by controlling how we spend and how we manage,” he said. “I think of one as the diet plan and the other as the exercise plan. If we do them both, we get lean management.”
SB 107 was introduced by Senator Shelley Hughes (R – Palmer). “The bill would create a sunset commission to help keep the executive branch departments efficient and cost effective,” she said. “The commission would audit both performance and cost then create recommendations on how to move forward.”
According to the budget numbers, the state is facing a deficit of more than $500 million for Fiscal Year 2026.
The Senate Republican Caucus is dedicated to producing solutions to our state’s problems. We are looking forward to hearing these bills in committee and discussing their merits with our colleagues in both the House and Senate.
Share on X 
Share on Facebook
News & Videos more >
Senate Republicans Craft Fast-Track Budget Compromise
Working constructively with the Majority to craft a compromise amendment, the Senate Republican Caucus was able to decrease a CBR draw by $76 million.
Senate Passes SR 4, Celebrating 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
In a powerful display of patriotism and commitment to our nation’s founding principles, the Alaska Senate today passed Senate Resolution 4 in a unanimous vote....
Senate Requests the U.S. Adhere to Mineral Leasing Act
Today, the Alaska State Senate unanimously passed SJR 19, urging Congress to honor the terms of the Mineral Leasing Act and the Alaska Statehood Act.
Senate Republicans Disappointed by Ag Dept. Vote Failure
Yesterday in joint session, Executive Order 136, allowing the creation for a Department of Agriculture, was passed with a vote of 32 to 28, stalling the formation....
Back to Square One for Education
Today Governor Mike Dunleavy announced his veto the $1,000 BSA increase– while also introducing an education bill with a $700 funding increase and an emphasis on policy reform....
Senate Republicans Request Education Compromise
The Senate Republican Caucus understands a funding increase is necessary to sustain our schools. However, the legislation put forth today does not contain the policy reforms necessary...
Senate Republicans Advocate for Policy Reforms, BSA Increase
Today the Senate Republican Caucus denounced the latest iteration of HB 69, a school funding bill
that fails to address Alaska’s declining student proficiency....
Senate Republicans Promote Fiscal Solutions
On Monday, the Alaska Senate Republican Caucus presented a bill package providing answers to the state’s fiscal dilemma.