Reps. Chenault

We commend our House colleagues for their vision and leadership in passing House Bill 9, and sincerely expect that, with additional time to consider the legislation and the need for instate gasline development, the Senate will also demonstrate that foresight.

We applaud Gov. Parnell for recognizing the potential for an Alaska gas pipeline project unlike any we have seen on the table, a hybrid of multiple plans committed Alaskans have worked on for many years. We believe this alignment -- of stakeholders, of goals, of work done to date -- is the elusive answer to Alaska gas.

As the co-chairmen of the House Finance Committee, we are proud of the investments the Legislature has made for the 2009 fiscal year. Operating and capital budgets are more than just numbers; they are expressions of policy and priorities. The Legislature's final budgets show our commitment to saving the surplus, minimizing growth to the operating budget, supporting our communities and investing in infrastructure.