(Juneau) - Yesterday, the Alaska House of Representatives passed the Operating Budget, HB 365, by a vote of 27 to 12. Representative Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Kodiak) announced that the bill included funding for a position in the Office of Citizenship Assistance in Kodiak.

HB 365 contained $50,000 under the Alaska Department of Labor to fund the position, which will assist legal immigrants in Alaska with employment information and referrals to services for legal aliens. Kodiak's population of approximately 14,000 people, is comprised of 40-50 nationalities.

"I am glad this is in the budget because there is a huge need in the Kodiak community for this service," LeDoux said. "Now that this provision has passed the House, the next challenge will be the Senate and the Governor."

Overall, the operating budget passed by the House reduces the budget proposed by the Governor by more than $120 million, in an effort to maintain a sustainable budget. HB 365 funds a number of important programs and departments in the state, including Corrections, Health & Social Services, Public Safety, Transportation and the University.

The budget now awaits action in the Senate.

# # #