(JUNEAU) - The House of Representatives restored funding for Alaska's parks as part of the FY05 budget bill which passed earlier this week. HB 375 included an amendment, cosponsored by Representative Peggy Wilson, (R-Wrangell) which restored this funding.

"I recognize how important state parks are to Sitka and the rest of the state," said Representative Wilson. "That is why I thought it was vital that I lend my support to the amendment which restored $350,000 to the Operating Budget for state parks."

The House has passed both an Operating Budget and an Education Budget this session. Representative Wilson went on to say, "The House Education Budget increased funding by $84.5 million dollars. I am so pleased that the vehicle used for this historically high increase to education funding was my bill, HB 233. I am extremely proud of the work that I've done on both of these budget bills as I know what they mean to my constituents and the state of Alaska."

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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