Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 258-8164
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Majority's Budget Signed Into Law

As Promised, Over $190 Million Saved Over Three Years

For Immediate Release July 1, 1998 Contact: Rep. Mark Hanley at (907) 258-8192.

Juneau -- The Republican-led Majority's budget for Fiscal Year 1999 was signed into law at a Tuesday ceremony in Anchorage.

"This budget is a great accomplishment for all Alaskans," said House Speaker Gail Phillips (R-Homer). "This marks the third year of the Republican-led Majority's Commitment to Alaska, and we're right on track with over $190 million dollars in spending reductions during that period. With oil prices far below forecasts, it's a good thing the Legislature had the foresight and courage to stick to that Commitment," Phillips said.

While the governor signed the budget as-written, he did delete language intended to make the operation of state government more efficient. Included in that so-called "intent language" was language implementing the Majority's results-based budgeting plan.

"Results-based budeting is designed to show Alaskans what they're getting for their money from state government and to hold that government accountable," said Representative Mark Hanley (R-Anchorage), Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee. "That language was not intended to hamstring him in any way, but to help him achieve measurable results and to derive the maximum from every dollar," Hanley said.

# # #

Broadcasters Note: Senator Robin Taylor also gives his reaction to the Governor's signing the Majority Budget into law.
= Robin Taylor, 40 K