Committee reports HJR 5 urging permanent reinstatement of Secure Rural Schools funding

Representative Jeremy Bynum presented House Joint Resolution 5, a measure urging the U.S. Congress and the president to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self‑Determination Act of 2000 and to make the act’s funding mechanism permanent for Alaska communities.

Bynum, the bill sponsor, told the committee the resolution addressed funding shortfalls that “are necessary for our education in these communities” and warned that failure to reauthorize the program would create “a tremendous hardship on our smaller communities and our larger communities alike.” Co‑Chair Andy Story and other committee members noted support from their districts and emphasized that permanence would provide relief.

Co‑Chair Andy Story moved to report HJR 5 from the committee “with individual recommendations and the attached fiscal note.” There were no objections; the committee reported the resolution out with individual recommendations and the attached fiscal note. The record does not show a roll‑call vote or a tally; committee action was taken by voice with no objection recorded.

The resolution is intended to communicate state legislative support to Congress and the president for reauthorization or a permanent fix for the Secure Rural Schools funding mechanism, which many Alaska sponsors said is important to education funding in small and rural communities. The committee minutes indicate the resolution will move forward to the House floor for further consideration.