Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Tilton
For Immediate Release: March 25, 2026
Majority Caucus Derails State Revenue Bill
Senator Cathy Tilton
JUNEAU – Today the Senate Majority Caucus delayed the passage of reliable state revenue and used questionable procedural methods to increase taxes on Alaskan businesses.
Without warning, a Democrat member of the Majority introduced an amendment creating new taxes to a largely unrelated bill, HB 194, which ratifies the sale of royalty oil from the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum. The irony is not lost on the Senate Republican Caucus that the Democrat-lead Majority potentially torpedoed reliable state revenue by derailing a bill with wide support on both sides of the aisle.
However, the primary victim of the amendment is not the state – it is everyday Alaskans.
According to Senate Minority Whip Robb Myers (R – North Pole), “Southcentral Alaska is facing an energy crisis.” The Resources Committee member continued, “To target taxes on the very companies who are working to provide the natural gas we need to keep our homes warm and the lights on is shooting ourselves in the foot for a quick buck.” Furthermore, the amendment may potentially violate Senate procedures, raising questions of its legality.
“A relatively simple and straightforward contract ratification shouldn’t be used as a backdoor for a major new tax policy,” said Senator Cathy Tilton (R – Wasilla). The State Affairs Committee member continued, “Our caucus questions the procedural standing of the amendment.”
The bill will now be facing reconsideration. Should the Majority choose double down on new taxes, a bill reaffirming the sale will need to be reintroduced in the House and Senate. Both options further delay the legislative process while wasting time and public resources.
Moving forward, the Senate Republican Caucus hopes to collaborate with the Majority Caucus to pass and affirm this reliable source of state revenue that has supported our state for 30 years.
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