Greetings from the Capitol. This yearâs legislative session is entering its final weeks as we continue working on the Fiscal Year 2022 budget and key issues. As you may be aware, legislators and the administration are awaiting guidance on how Alaska will be able to use $1 billion from the federal American Rescue Plan. These rules are expected from the feds in early May, but preliminary discussions are taking place. I will update you as information becomes available on our progress. Â THE BUDGET AND THE 24-HOUR RULE We anticipate the Houseâs version of the operating budget to reach the Senate for consideration soon. Our Finance Committee will then debate the bill before it goes to a vote of the full Senate. Eventually, a conference committee comprised of three members from each body will resolve any differences between the Senateâs and Houseâs budget.