Session: State Capitol, Room 24 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2186 Fax: (907) 465-3818 Interim: 600 East Railroad Avenue Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: (907) 373-1842 Fax: (907) 373-4729

Conservative Lawmaker Says "Cut More"
Kohring Says Operating Budget Passed by House is Too Big

(JUNEAU) - Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla/Peters Creek) was a very reluctant "yes" vote on the operating budget, passed out of the House on Tuesday.

"There were some modest cuts across the board, which is good, and I commend the House Finance Committee members for their efforts," Kohring said. "However, the overall budget remains way too big. I would have preferred cuts in the several hundred million-dollar range, because it's imperative that we not only reduce the deficit but the overall size of government."

Kohring announced his own spending reduction plan earlier in the session that emphasizes major cuts instead of taxes to close the fiscal gap. He has proposed a 10-point outline that includes:

• Cutting $1 one billion over a five-year period;
• Placing a moratorium on new taxes;
• Protecting the Permanent Fund;
• Capping spending;
• Merging half of all agencies in government;
• Privatizing public services;
• Limiting the length legislative sessions;
• Disposing large amounts of state land.

Kohring's proposal also calls for elimination of taxpayer subsidies to tourism, fisheries, agriculture, public TV and radio, and the arts.

"Most Alaskans want us to spend within our means instead of taking more of their hard earned money through taxes," Kohring said. "They want us to achieve a government that spends more efficiently and focuses on basic, core essentials like roads, schools and public safety. I agree."

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