House Approves Operating Budget

3/12/2010

On Thursday, the Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 300, which is the Fiscal Year 2011 Statewide Operating Budget. According to the House Majority Caucus, the House Finance Committee Substitute authorizes $34.1 million less than the governor’s amended FY 2011 spending plan, with a 10-percent across the board cut to state agency travel and deferral of funding for issues that require further scrutiny including expenditures for an in-state gas pipeline and legislation still under consideration. The House Finance Committee substitute authorizes $5.1 billion in state general funds, $1.93 billion in federal funds, and $1.09 billion in what have been referred to as “other” funds, which are classified as non-discretionary. The House Majority Caucus said the total state agency spending is reduced by 1.6% from Governor Sean Parnell’s amended proposal.

House Finance Committee Co-Chair Mike Hawker called the House-approved Operating Budget a responsible spending plan. Hawker said the committee crafted a budget that allows the state to live within its means while still meeting the critical needs of life, health and safety. The bill now heads to the State Senate for consideration.