Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Debates Results-Based Budget

Bill Holds Agencies Accountable, Continues Majority's 5-Year Plan

For Immediate Release April 21, 1998 Contact: Rep. Mark Hanley at (907) 465-4939.

Juneau -- On Tuesday the Alaska House of Representatives will debate the first operating budget (HB 325 and HB 326) using results-based performance measures to hold state agencies accountable. The operating budget also fits within the Majority's five year plan to reduce spending by $250 million.

"The public has made a simple request -- 'show us the results!,'" said House Finance Committee Co-chair Mark Hanley. The House budget process reviewed over 20 major state programs. In cooperation with the agencies, mission statements and measures by which to judge their success, were drafted and included in the operating budget as intent language.

"In the fiscal year 1999 budget, millions have been added to child protection programs. There is money for more foster parents, more front line social workers, and training for both. Money for legal services will facilitate quicker transition from foster care to permanent adoption. Finally, new troopers have been authorized to assist in child abuse investigations," continued Hanley.

Schools will receive new money for new students and there is increased funding to the University of Alaska "'K' through 'U' once again has been placed as a top priority by the House Majority," stated House Finance Vice-chair Eldon Mulder.

To protect the public and remove the state from a recent court order, space for new prisoners has also been funded in the House spending proposal.

While closing the fiscal gap, spending has been reprioritized toward education, public safety and child protection.

"This budget keeps us on track to reduce state spending by $250 million within five years. Since FY96, we have dropped spending by $180 million, while still protecting our priorities of education, public safety and kids. Low oil prices have reinforced the need to continue to lessen our dependence on our savings accounts," concluded Hanley.

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