Bill Stoltze, co-chairman of the House Finance Committee, said the governor's request for an early maintenance budget "has been slowed down and maybe even derailed," in part because the Parnell administration "hasn't been able to get their budget together." Stoltze said some departments lacked adequate descriptions of how money would be used, and not all projects were for maintenance.
Committee members Monday questioned whether some of the proposed projects were serious deferred-maintenance issues or simply wish-list-type capital projects that didn't need to be fast-tracked and added to the current year's budget.
Parnell set a March 1 target date for lawmakers to pass his proposal, so work could begin by summer.
Parnell spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said Management and Budget and other officials provided additional information on projects last week; details from remaining departments were discussed Monday. She called a March 1 passage an "aggressive timeline" and said Parnell would still like to see his plan approved as soon as possible.
-- The Associated Press
Underage-drinking fines could rise
JUNEAU -- The state Senate has passed legislation aimed at cracking down on underage drinking.
The bill, SB 194, would increase from $1,000 to $1,500 potential civil damages for minors who knowingly enter or stay in bars or other liquor-selling establishments. The increase also applies to those who solicit or buy alcohol for anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 and to those with restrictions on buying alcohol.
Civil courts also could require a minor to participate in an alcohol safety program.
The Senate voted 15-1 to pass the measure. The bill now moves to the House.
-- The Associated Press
Important warning about e-mails purporting to be from the adn.com staff.