Juneau -- Saying that a commitment to children is one of the legislature's highest priorities, the Senate Leadership said Thursday that their budget increases spending from Fiscal Year 1999 on children's programs by $42 million.

"The Democratic leadership is playing politics with children when they claim that the Senate's budget takes a step backwards in our efforts to protect children," said Senator Sean Parnell (R-Anchorage), Co-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

"The real facts have to get out. The Senate's budget spends $976 million on children's programs. That's $42 million more than the State spent last year," Parnell said.

"Amidst our responsibility to spend less and address our $1 billion fiscal gap, we are keeping our sights on our priorities," Parnell said. "The bottom line is, the Senate has increased spending on children while making budget reductions in other programs and services."

The Senate budget for example, fully funds education for every Alaska K-12 student. It also fully funds Project Succeed - an effort to find permanent homes for children in state custody. It increases funding for foster care and adoptions, and fully funds Denali Kid Care, which provides increased health coverage for children and pregnant women.

Note: The attached spreadsheets are an analysis of spending levels on children's programs comparing the Senate, House and administration numbers.

• Analysis of Childrens Programs
• Analysis of Children's Programs with Comments

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Sean Parnell, 23 K