Alaska's Lawmakers Show How Politics Should Work

The Crisis

Alaska is facing tough times in 2026. The state's money problems are getting worse because the federal government is cutting funds for important things like schools, healthcare, and food help.

Governor Mike Dunleavy is not helping. He wants to give big money to people from the Permanent Fund instead of fixing the budget or helping communities.

The Good News

But there's hope. Last year, state lawmakers from different parties worked together. They made a balanced budget and increased money for schools. They even overrode the governor's veto on school funding. This is a big deal because it shows that politicians can work together for the people.

The Rare Compromise

After the regular session, lawmakers did something even rarer. They met again and restored the school funding that the governor cut. They also made sure that oil and gas companies are checked properly. This could save the state a lot of money.

A Lesson for the Nation

This is a great example of how politics should work. Lawmakers disagreed but still found a way to compromise. They put the people first and showed that politics can be about solving problems, not just arguing.

Alaska is often different from the rest of the country. This time, it's leading the way in showing how to govern well. Other states and the country could learn from Alaska's example.