The hearing not only raised issues over the governor’s plan to supplant millions of dollars in vetoes with federal aid, but also his power to spend the money in the first place.
“This is not a cost savings, this is just a cost shift down to the local municipalities,” said Rep. Dan Ortiz.
The House also passed a bill officially naming Sept. 11 as “Patriot Day.”
The House Finance Committee did one last round of budget amendments before sending the budget to public testimony.
If the Alaska Legislature institutes tougher penalties on certain crimes, nearly 300 more people would be jailed every year at a cost that could exceed $4 million.
The House initially seemed on-board with the Senate’s spending proposal. That wasn’t to last.