(Juneau) - Today, the House of Representatives passed SB 232; better known as the Fast Track supplemental. Included in the bill was funding very important to the constituents of Representative Mark Neuman's (R-Mat-Su) district.

"The $3.85 million for the Su Valley High roof is in this legislation and it means a great deal to the families whose children are attending that school," Representative Neuman said. "In fact, to many of them, this is the most important issue facing the Legislature this year."

On March 16, the Senate voted 15 to 3 to approve SB 232, sending the Fast Track supplemental to the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives. Included was a $3.85 million appropriation for the roof repair. With the money being in the Fast Track, it would allow the Mat-Su Borough School District to start repairs immediately after school ends for the summer.

Concern was raised last week in House Finance when several members of the committee from districts outside the Mat Su Valley, questioned the $3.85 million appropriation and acted to remove the funding which Senators Charlie Huggins (R-Wasilla) and Lyda Green (R-Wasilla) worked hard to ensure the money was available.

After receiving word that the money was removed, Representative Neuman spent a great deal of time lobbying members of the House Finance Committee to ensure the money was put back. Representative Neuman said he spent additional time testifying before the House Finance Committee and was successful, with the help of Representative Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su), in getting the funding put back in the Supplemental.

The Fast Track supplemental will now return to the Senate for concurrence.

# # #