JUNEAU -- Gov. Sean Parnell says he's asking state agencies to present hold-the-line budgets as officials begin drafting next fiscal year's spending plan.

The exception, he says, will be for new spending that fit with efforts to grow the state's private-sector economy. He says agencies will need to make convincing arguments for that spending for him to pitch it to the Legislature.

He says his overall goal will be to spend and tax less and save more.

The administration is beginning work on a budget that must be submitted to the Legislature by Dec. 15. Between now and then, Parnell also will be seeking election to the job he inherited when Sarah Palin resigned last summer.