Senate Minority Supportive of Budget Vetoes
Caucus Applauds Governor’S Efforts To “Live Within Our Means”

Juneau - Members of the Senate Republican Caucus reacted favorably today to Gov. Sarah Palin’s reduction of Senate Bill 53, the state capital budget, by more than $230 million.

“The budget grew despite cautions from the administration, and consequently the governor had to exercise her power to bring it more in line with revenues,” said Senate Minority Leader Gene Therriault, R-North Pole. “While our individual members are still going through the vetoes, we are supportive of the Governor’s efforts to control spending.”

“Although we are still digesting the details to make sure the criteria were applied consistently and equitably throughout all regions, we appreciate the administration’s deliberative process to fairly evaluate projects based on what is affordable and a legitimate state function,” Sen. Therriault said.

“The most consistent comment we have heard from voters is that there is too much state spending. The governor was elected with a huge approval rating, and I think this is what the people have asked her to do. The budget is unsustainable. We’ll be in a deficit in a couple of years and it’s better to make cuts now,” said Sen. Con Bunde, R-Anchorage.

Because of concerns regarding the level of overall state funding, all five members of the Senate Republican Caucus voted against Senate Bill 53 when it was on the senate floor. On May 22, the caucus sent a letter to Gov. Palin encouraging her to identify areas where spending could be reduced and judiciously exercise her line-item veto authority. The letter is attached.

Caucus letter sent to Governor Palin
http://www.aksenateminority.com/pdfs/25/veto_letter20070522.pdf