Juneau -- Tuesday, the Alaska Senate passed SB 281, the results-based budgeting bill that is used to evaluate the state-operating budget.

"The Legislature took the next step toward building greater accountability into state spending when the Senate passed the missions and measures bill today," said Senator Sean Parnell (R-Anchorage), Co-Chair of Senate Finance. "SB 281 helps show Alaskans what results they should expect for state spending."

Parnell expressed his vision that this year the Legislature will publish a budget book incorporating missions and measures from SB 281 with the state-operating budget. He said that such a book would make the state budget more accessible and understandable to the public, and would promote accountability to the public on the part of both the Legislature and state agencies.

Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks), a strong advocate of the University of Alaska and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, voted in favor of SB 281. "Last week's public testimony on the operating budget made it clear that Alaskans place a high priority on funding the university system," said Wilken. "Now, with a mission statement aimed at supporting the education needs of both individual Alaskans and our state economy, we can ensure that the funds allocated to the university will be spent efficiently and responsibly."

Missions and measures are part of the Senate and House Majorities' affirmation to continue results-based budgeting, a cornerstone of the Majorities' Commitment to Alaska calling for a smaller and stronger state government. SB 281 incorporates specific missions to provide a framework for agency spending and would set forth performance measures to evaluate how money is spent and where future state funds will be allocated.

Senator John Torgerson (R-Kasilof), Co-Chair of Senate Finance, is glad this bill has passed but said he is already looking ahead. "Now that we have a set of guidelines to help us decide where to spend state dollars, it's time to roll up our sleeves and finish putting together next year's operating budget," said Torgerson.

A notice of reconsideration was filed.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Sean Parnell, 31 K = Gary Wilken, 58 K
= John Torgerson, 21 K