Juneau -- The House Finance Committee Wednesday passed out House Bill 312, the State Operating Budget.

The House Finance Committee approved HB 312 after making some changes to the recommendations of its subcommittees. While making these minor changes to improve the proposed state budget, they soundly rejected attempts by the Minority to increase spending by over $60 million.

HB 312 is based upon the current fiscal year's budget, but is $26 million below the FY 00 funding level. It is also more than $109 million below Governor Knowles spending request.

"It was gratifying to see the cooperation among all the parties that worked on this budget," said Representative Gene Therriault, Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee. "We were able to preserve a good working relationship with the members of the Minority and were able to successfully deal with a number of tough issues."

"I'm pleased that, at approximately $26 million in reductions over FY 00, we have come so close to the majority's goal of $30 million for FY 01," said Representative Eldon Mulder, Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee. "I think it is significant, too, that we were able to produce a responsible, responsive budget and still come in more than $109 million below the Governor's spending requests."

HB 312 now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Gene Therriault, 25 K = Eldon Mulder, 25 K