(Juneau) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed the Operating and Mental Health Budgets this afternoon, HB 365 and HB 366, respectively. HB 365 passed by a vote of 27 to 12, while HB 366 passed unanimously.

"The passage of this budget is further evidence of our commitment to the people of the state to pass a sustainable budget that meets the needs of Alaskans and still saves a substantial amount of the surplus," said House Finance Co-Chair Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski).

HB 365 reduces the budget proposed by the Governor by more than $120 million. The bill contains funding for Corrections, Health & Social Services, Public Safety, Transportation and the University.

House Finance Committee Co-Chair Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage) said, "The FY 07 Operating Budget represents the House Majority's dedication to reducing spending. The final budget that passed the House implements a reduction in the Governor's proposed operating budget. At the same time that we reduced the Governor's spending proposal, we also were able to save half of the projected surplus that will be realized at the end of this fiscal year. The Republican House Majority is standing firm on our priorities of reducing government spending and saving for Alaska's future."

The House also approved $140 million for the state's Mental Health budget. Funds will be distributed through a number of Departments including Health & Social Services, Education & Early Development, Corrections, Law and the Alaska Court System.

Health and Social Services Subcommittee Chair Mike Hawker (R-Anchorage) said of the social services budget, "We've met our most pressing needs, including allocating over $7 million new dollars to reduce the list of developmentally disabled Alaskans waiting for critical services. We've also honored the trust of Alaskans that we be frugal, demand accountability for what we spend and that we do not commit more than we can sustain in the future."

The budgets now await action in the Senate.

# # #