Anchorage Daily News

Rep. Don Young was gnashing his teeth after the stimulus bill passed the U.S. House, and Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich were split on it in the Senate, where it also won a favorable vote late Friday night. "I think it's an unfortunate day for America. This is probably the most selfish vote for individual gratification I have ever witnessed in 35 years," said Young, R-Alaska.

But at the same time he was claiming credit for keeping out a provision he said might have limited the advantages for Native-owned businesses when securing federal contracts.

Murkowski, R-Alaska, also objected to the bill as it went through the U.S. Senate. Murkowski said in a floor speech that it's too much new spending and "made no effort to increase domestic production of traditional resources such as oil and natural gas."

But Begich, a Democrat, voted for it, saying "this bill will keep thousands of Alaskans employed and provide millions of dollars for investment in badly-needed infrastructure. We simply can't afford to do nothing as our economy continues to spiral downward."

There's a new provision in the bill saying if a governor doesn't request stimulus funds within 45 days of the bill's enactment, the state Legislature may do so. Gov. Sarah Palin has criticized the stimulus, saying she wants the money it offers for construction and infrastructure projects but might oppose funds for social programs the state could have to pick up the tab for down the road.

It's not clear yet exactly how much is in the bill for Alaska. Begich's office said that, in addition to a series of tax credits, Alaska funding in the final version includes:

• $175 million for highway funding.

• $28 million for state energy programs.

• $93.9 million for state stabilization funds.

• $18.4 million for weatherization programs.

• $23.8 million for clean water state revolving loan fund.

• $4.8 million for education technology.

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