Governor Applauds Work of Legislature

Governor Applauds Work of Legislature

Governor Frank H. Murkowski today applauded the work of the Legislature in passing operating and capital budget bills that respond to the needs of Alaska.

"I believe the budget passed by the Legislature reflect a response to the demands on state government services," Murkowski said. "We recognize that the total is high, but we have to view that fact in the context of pent-up needs that have accumulated over many years. The flip side of high oil revenues is the rising cost of fuel, which has impacts throughout the economy. These budgets also reflect that reality, as well."

"I am also pleased that the Legislature has saved or invested a total of $1.165 billion of the current year's unanticipated revenue generated by those high oil prices for future use, for FY07 and FY08 education funding, and for future capital projects," Murkowski said.

Murkowski said he appreciates that the Legislature has agreed with many of the top priorities of his administration, especially in education funding, public safety, and transportation needs.

"In education, not only has the Legislature increased the per student funding and funded new school construction, they have recognized the value of innovative programs," said the governor. "Education Commissioner Roger Sampson has spearheaded a program to mentor new teachers and principals, which was funded at $4.5 million, and a new incentive program designed to encourage school teachers, staff and administrators to work as a team to increase individual student achievement, was funded at $5.8 million."

"I am also very appreciative of their approval of Representative John Coghill's new funding mechanism for boarding school programs and the expansion of the Alaska Military Youth Academy to the Interior, both of which will provide much-needed alternatives for Alaska's youth," Murkowski said.

In addressing public safety issues, the Legislature approved a tough new sex offender law and a methamphetamine and marijuana bill. - more - "I was pleased to see the Legislature get tough on crime, and that commitment is reflected in their having approved six new judges and additional public safety positions," Murkowski said.

Appropriations aimed at improving life in Alaskan communities also were approved, including $183 million for the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) endowment (which was also dependent upon PPT passage) and $49 million to municipalities to offset high energy costs. The Legislature recognized the need to provide temporary assistance as a result of high energy prices and costs to local governments.

"We proposed using a recurring fund source to provide a continuing source of funding for aid to municipalities," Murkowski said. "It is a concern that the funding for this year does not include a continuing revenue source going into the future, but this funding addresses the problem for now."

Investments in road improvements include $280 million in state funds, which include the governor's transportation initiative to relieve congestion in major cities, $45 million for Juneau Access. Another $44 million was included for ports, harbors and docks, and a higher level of funding for highway and airport maintenance.

"This level of commitment from state funds for transportation, above and beyond the federal funds Alaska will be receiving, shows we are serious about addressing highway, airport, and marine transportation projects that have been put off for too long," Murkowski said. "These funds represent an investment in the future, and the infrastructure we pay for today will be there for our children and grandchildren."

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=2379