Sponsor reintroduces broad-based education tax package; NAACP witness outlines funding gap

Representative Elise Galvin reintroduced House Bill 152 on Feb. 17 as a two‑part tax to address education funding shortfalls: a 4% income tax on earnings above $150,000 for single filers ($300,000 for joint filers) and a $150 head tax on wage earners. Staffer David Chang presented a summary and fiscal illustration, and invited testimony was given by Mike Bronson of the NAACP in Alaska.

Bronson presented slide materials linking declines in statewide standardized test performance to erosion in the legislature’s base student allocation. He cited the Moore litigation standard and argued that, to achieve constitutional adequacy in education, Alaska likely needs roughly $400M–$600M in additional annual funding—$400M to make up inflationary erosion and an additional ~$200M to close proficiency gaps. Bronson said HB152’s revenue estimate ($300M range, per sponsor materials) would be a substantial step but may fall short of the full need.

Representative Galvin noted projected revenue estimates were based on prior years of data and said near‑term high‑earner growth could increase expected revenue. The committee set the bill aside as a reintroduction and indicated further hearings will explore details and fiscal assumptions.

What’s next: Sponsor and staff plan further stakeholder work and additional hearings; no committee vote occurred on HB152 at this sitting.