(Anchorage) – The House Finance Committee Co-Chairs released the following statement today, saying they are ready to work with the Palin administration on its newly released proposed budget package. Governor Palin introduced her Fiscal Year 2008 budget to the Legislature today in Anchorage. The budget is the first glimpse at the priorities of her new administration and her efforts to reduce government spending and waste.

"It has been our goal to write the most responsible budget possible for the past two sessions," said Finance co-chair Rep. Mike Chenault (R – Nikiski). "Once again it is our intent to cooperate with Governor Palin's goal to make state government efficient while providing quality essential services to the people of the state of Alaska. Both Co-Chair Meyer and I look forward to working with the new Governor, by involving the people to make government decisions more transparent, and save money for future Alaskans."

"Rep. Chenault and I are just beginning to evaluate the Governor's proposed FY 08 budget and beginning our dialogue with the Administration on the priorities they have outlined," said Finance co-chair Rep. Kevin Meyer (R – Anchorage). "I think that we are all on the same page when we say that we are truly looking to fund essential state services and save money for the future needs of our state. We may have different ways of accomplishing this, but in the end, what you will see is a fiscally restrained and responsible operating and capital budget."

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Governor Palin's Press Release Announcing Her FY 2008 Proposed Budget

FY 2008 Proposed Budget