Gov. Palin: 'Signed budget; vetoed excess'

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin signed six appropriations bills today, including the FY2010 Operating Budget, the FY2010 Mental Health Operating and Capital Budget, the FY2009 Supplemental Bill, the Federal Economic Stimulus Bill, the FY2010 capital budget and a special appropriation for low-income energy assistance.

Gov. Palin vetoed $80.3 million in spending from four of the six appropriations bills using her line-item veto. She signed two bills - the mental health operating and capital budget and the energy assistance special appropriation - without applying her veto pen. Also getting the governor's ax was $28.6 million in federal stimulus money for energy projects.

On her Twitter page, Gov. Palin had tweeted, "Signed budget; vetoed excess; consistently confirmed local autonomy vs more control ceded to Fed govt."

"We submitted a responsible, fiscally conservative budget," Governor Palin said. "Given the current revenue outlook and economic conditions, we must focus on providing essential public services, while continuing to invest in communities and resource development that will fuel our economy in the future."

"I am pleased that legislators agreed with us on the importance of slowing the growth of government and focusing on key priority areas of life, safety, transportation, education and infrastructure. The legislature and administration worked hard to minimize the draw from savings at the end of the fiscal year. Our comprehensive review of the budgets confirmed that legislators made a concerted effort to reduce spending. In contrast to prior years, there were very few legislative additions to the budget."

"We have taken significant steps to slow government growth and achieve savings in the current fiscal year," Governor Palin said. "This administration takes fiscal responsibility seriously and reducing expenditures will extend the life of our savings accounts."

The full news release from the governor's office is here.

Media Coverage: The Anchorage Daily News headline reads, "Palin cuts $80 million from budget". The Juneau Empire headlined its story, "Palin vetoes $80.3 million from state budget, including energy funds". The Fairbanks News-Miner reported, "Palin rejects energy stimulus money from feds". KTUU titled its report (with video), "Palin signs budget, cuts $28M in federal stimulus".

Update: Another news release from the governor, in which she explains why she vetoed $28.6 million in federal stimulus funds for energy assistance.

- JP