(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed a $1.7 billion Operating Budget today, delivering more money to Health and Social Services, the University system and the Department of Public Safety. The Committee Substitutes for House Bill 66 and 67 passed by votes of 38-0 and 30-7, respectively.

The bills, which were not amended on the floor, would appropriate an $11.9 million increase in funding for the University, a $71 million increase for Health and Social Services, and $9.7 million for the Department of Public Safety. The K-12 education funds were increased by over $70 million in the supplemental bill which is currently in the Senate.

"The committee heard over 170 amendments to the Operating Budget and our subcommittees heard countless more. We are very proud of this budget, but frustrated by the rhetoric as it has been portrayed in the media that this was constructed behind closed doors. That is simply untrue," said Representative Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski), Co-Chairman of the House Finance Committee.

Finance Co-Chairman Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage) said, "I still believe this budget does an excellent job of keeping spending down while meeting the state's essential needs. I think we've maintained fiscal discipline because we know we have to keep the operating budget down to ensure capital money for next year. We must also remember that the operating budget sets expectations for the following year that we may not be able to meet depending on the price of oil."

HB 66 and 67 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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