Alaska State Legislature House and Senate Democrats

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http://www.akdemocrats.org Mark Gnadt, Press Secretary (907) 465-3842 (907) 465-5125 Mark.Gnadt@legis.state.ak.us

E-News from House and Senate Democrats
Bipartisan Cooperation on Operating Budget Leads to Early Vote

Democrats Win Funding for Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment, the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Subsistence and Test Fisheries

JUNEAU - After what Senate Minority Leader Johnny Ellis described as an "open and forthright and cooperative" budget-writing process, the Senate's Democrats supported their body's version of the state's FY06 operating budget without offering floor amendments or attempting to impede its progress.

The budget bill, SCS CSHB 67(FIN), passed the Senate 18-1, with Sen. Hollis French, D-Anchorage, casting the lone "no" vote.

In a press conference with Republican leaders following the floor action, Senator Ellis described the budget as "not perfect, but acceptable."

"We won some, we lost some," Senator Ellis said. "Our amendments were fairly debated, they were honestly considered."

Democrats fought for our values during the subcommittee process and were able to maintain essential programs while also making new and major investments. New troopers, front line social workers, support for Medicaid ($65 Million for 06), additional support for both the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program are all reasons Democrats felt they could support the bill. Democrats have long been supporters of funding for a strong social services safety net and public safety.

"Democrats reached across political party lines to get the job done and meet the needs of Alaskans," Ellis said.

Democratic support for the budget was a result of being allowed to participate in a meaningful way in the budget-writing process. Democrats were given the spots they requested on budget subcommittees and their amendments to the budget were given a fair hearing. Many of those amendments passed.

Senator Ellis emphasized that education funding is not part of the operating budget this year and will be dealt with in House Bill 1.

·  Print  Forward this page ·  http://www.akdemocrats.org/Documents/enews_041605.pdf ·  Links: Original E-News Senator Johnny Ellis Senator Lyman Hoffman Senator Donny Olson

Putting Alaskans First · Moving Alaska Forward 2005