(Juneau) - Today the Alaska Senate voted 20-0 to pass HB 365, the state's FY 07 operating budget. The bill allocates $2.95 billion dollars in state general funds for state agencies and the University of Alaska.

Sen. Gary Wilken (R -Fairbanks) co-chairs the Senate Finance Committee and oversees the budget writing process. "The Senate's FY07 operating budget strikes a needed balance between funding the priorities of the people, reducing the growth of state government and preparing Alaska to be advantaged by the bounty of the future. This budget educates and protects Alaskans while developing Alaska's resources to create new and sustainable jobs for Alaskan families."

"The unanimous support of all 20 members signifies the hard work put in by every member of the Senate Finance Committee," said Senate President Ben Stevens (R - Anchorage).

Here are some highlights from the operating budget.

• Funds the Statewide Mentoring Program at $4.5 million, a proven program that increases teacher retention and increases student achievement
• Includes over $6 million in general funds to support the Head Start program, serving 3,500 Alaska preschoolers.
• Full funding of Medicaid program and life safety issues
• Increase Adult Basic Education by $527.9 to help with the increased number of GED graduates
• Increased funding for Homeland Security and Emergency Services efforts
• $2.058 million for continuation of increased gas line workload in the Commissioner's office and Oil & Gas Development
• Fully funded the new Rural Trooper Housing Program

The bill now moves back to the House where it can concur with changes made by the Senate. Otherwise, a conference committee with members from both the House and Senate will be appointed to craft a compromise bill.

For more information, contact James Armstrong at (907) 465.3709.

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