Senate Minority Republicans Call for Responsible Criteria for Capital Spending

Juneau – Today Sen. Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River, together with the Senate Minority Caucus, presented to the press and public a comprehensive set of criteria for evaluating capital projects submitted by legislators for inclusion in the state’s capital budget.

“In the past we have asked the co-chairs of the Senate Finance Committee to develop specific criteria for capital spending and to date we have received no clear direction about spending caps and priorities for capital projects. Today we offer a comprehensive evaluation process for consideration by the legislature, the Governor and the public. We hope this will inspire new conversation about responsible and disciplined capital spending and look forward to having our criteria improved upon and utilized” said Dyson.

For four years Dyson and other conservative Republican senators have tried to interest their colleagues in developing rational and fair criteria with which to evaluate state wide capital spending. Sadly, calls for reform have been ignored as have been requests to submit a defensible, sustainable long range fiscal plan at the beginning of the legislative session rather than at the end.

Those interested in reviewing Dyson’s capital spending criteria may contact his office at 907-465-2199.

# # #