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Dyson Bill Requires Agencies to Prioritize
HB 349 Would Help Legislators Fund Most Important Functions

(JUNEAU) - State government departments would have to present their budget requests in a format ranking their functions in order of priority, under House Bill 349, introduced by Rep. Fred Dyson (R-Anchorage).

"Budget decisions are always difficult and legislators struggle to get the information necessary to set the dollar amounts that should be available for each department," Dyson said today. "The Knowles administration has steadfastly resisted legislative efforts to obtain input about where budget reductions can be made or what government activities are optional."

Such information is a critical tool for legislators required to approve a budget, especially given the projected $900 million shortfall in state revenue in the coming fiscal year, Dyson said. HB 349 simply requires the executive branch of government to do what it should already be doing, but isn't, he said.

"When Gov. Knowles was mayor of Anchorage in the 1980s, and (current Office of Management and Budget Director) Annalee McConnell was his budget chief, they presented municipal budgets that prioritized municipal outputs and activities," Dyson said. "A similar presentation of the state budget will allow state legislators to make informed decisions about the impact of budgets on services to the people of Alaska."

HB 349 is scheduled to be heard in the House Finance Committee on Wednesday, Jan 30.

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