Many Legislators Who Complain About Over Spending Have no Room to Talk

There has been a lot of talk about the budget lately. Many Republicans are upset because they say it is too big. Republicans in the House Minority introduced a plethora of amendments during the recent debate on the operating budget. One after another they spoke about how the budget is too big. Many of them, probably most of all Representative Charisse Millett (R – Anchorage), are just mad they aren’t in charge anymore. She, and many of her colleagues, were fine crafting and voting for budgets in the past that were much higher than the current budget. When Republicans lost control of the house in 2016, rather than going by the House Minority, they named themselves the House Republicans. There is some serious denial going on over there.

The Senate Majority recently voted to implement a spending cap. But where were many of these Republican legislators when the budget was WAY larger than it is now? Answer – many of them were in charge.

While Republicans are overall more culpable for our fiscal crisis, because they basically ran the show during all of the big spending, many Democrats have also voted for the big budgets of the past. However, they don’t complain nearly as much about over spending as the Republicans do.

When oil prices were high there was a lot of money, and it was easy and fun to spend it. But there were some who warned against the unsustainable budgets of the past. Brad Keithly has been talking about this very issue since at least 2011, when I first met him. The Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at UAA has also been warning of over spending for many years. In fact, my entire 2012 senate campaign was about how we were spending at unsustainable levels. At a debate in 2012 my opponent actually said, “He’s just trying to scare you. Things are fine.” How about now?

The current operating budget is around $4.5 billion and is being debated as this article was being written. To give some context, when Republicans controlled both bodies of the legislature and the governor’s office, the operating budget was $6.4 billion for FY 2014. The capital budget will be very low again this year. In FY 2013 it was over $2 billion! Last year it was just $132 million.

Instead of acknowledging their over spending, many legislators instead point fingers and blame others. This is childish behavior. We would all be better off if our legislators would recognize the mistakes of the past and work together to solve our fiscal crisis rather than just blame the other side.

The hypocrisy of many of the so called “budget hawks” is laughable. They were fine running up massive budgets and deficits in the past. I guess the past does not matter to some. Well, it matters to the Alaska Landmine.

The information below shows the last 10 years of operating and capital budgets, who was in charge, and who voted for the budgets (bold indicates a current legislator).

*Note the numbers below do not include supplemental budgets. Those are often passed during a legislative session for the previous fiscal year’s budget. This adds to the budget

*Note the votes of many current Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor

Fiscal Year 2008

Operating Budget: $4.1 billion

Capital Budget: $1.2 billion

Total: $5.3 billion

Governor: Republican (Sarah Palin)

House: Republican led (Speaker John Harris)

Senate: Bi-partisan coalition (President Lyda Green)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 37 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Bob Buch, Mike Chenault , John Coghill, Nancy Dahlstrom, Andrea Doll, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Richard Foster, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Lindsey Holmes, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Scott Kawasaki, Mike Kelly, Beth Kerttula, Vic Kohring, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Kevin Meyer, Mary Nelson, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Bob Roses, Woodie Salmon, Ralph Samuels, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson

Nays: Harry Crawford, Mike Doogan

Excused: Sharon Cissna

Senate

YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: John Cowdery, Betty Davis, Johnny Ellis, Kim Elton, Hollis French, Lyda Green, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Albert Kookesh, Lesil McGuire, Donny Olson, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Bill Wielechowski

Nays: Con Bunde, Fred Dyson, Gene Therriault, Thomas Wagoner, Gary Wilken

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 30 NAYS: 10 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, John Coghill, Nancy Dahlstrom, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Ricahrd Foster, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Mike Kelly, Vic Kohring, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Kevin Meyer, Mary Nelson, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Bob Roses, Woodie Salmon, Ralph Samuels, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson

Nays: Bob Buch, Harry Crawford, Andrea Doll, Mike Doogan, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, David Guttenberg, Lindesy Holmes, Scott Kawasaki, Beth Kerttula

Senate

YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Con Bunde, Fred Dyson, Gene Therriault, Thomas Wagoner, Gary Wilken

Fiscal Year 2009

Operating Budget: $4.8 billion

Capital Budget: $765 million

Total: $5.5 billion

Governor: Republican (Sarah Palin)

House: Republican led (Speaker John Harris)

Senate: Bi-partisan coalition (President Lyda Green)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 29 NAYS: 10 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, John Coghill, Nancy Dahlstrom, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Kevin Meyer, Mary Nelson, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Bob Roses, Woodie Salmon, Ralph Samuels, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson

Nays: Bob Buch, Harry Crawford, Andrea Doll, Mike Doogan, Les Gara, Berat Gardner, David Guttenberg, Lindsey Holmes, Scott Kawasaki, Beth Kerttula

Excused: Richard Foster

Senate

YEAS: 15 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: John Cowdery, Betty Davis, Johnny Ellis, Kim Elton, Hollis French, Lyda Green, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Albert Kookesh, Donny Olson, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Tom Wagoner, Bill Wielechowski

Nays: Con Bunde, Fred Dyson, Gene Therriault, Gary Wilken

Excused: Lesil McGuire

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 33 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, John Coghill, Nancy Dahlstrom, Andrea Doll, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Les Gara, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Lindsey Holmes, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Mike Kelly, Wes Keller, Beth Kertulla, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Kevin Meyer, Mary Nelson, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Bob Roses, Woodie Salmon, Ralph Samuels, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson

Nays: Bob Buch, Harry Crawford, Mike Doogan, Berta Gardner, David Guttenberg, Scott Kawasaki

Excused: Richard Foster

Senate

YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Con Bunde, Fred Dyson, Gene Therriault, Thomas Wagoner, Gary Wilken

Fiscal Year 2010

Operating Budget: $4.3 billion

Capital Budget: $818 million

Total: $5.1 billion

Governor: Republican (Sean Parnell)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Bi-partisan coalition (President Gary Stevens)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 29 NAYS: 9 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, John Coghill, Nancy Dahlstrom, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Richard Foster, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Woodie Salmon, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson

Nays: Harry Crawford, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, David Guttenberg, Lindsey Holmes, Scott Kawasaki, Beth Kerttula, Pete Petersen, Chris Tuck

Excused: Bob Buch, Mike Doogan

Senate

YEAS: 15 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 VACANT: 1

Yeas: Betty Davis, Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Albert Kookesh, Lesil McGuire, Linda Menard, Kevin Meyer, Donny Olson, Joe Paskvan, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Bill Wielechowski

Nays: Con Bunde, Fred Dyson, Gene Therriault, Tom Wagoner

Vacant: Juneau seat (Kim Elton resigned for a position in the Obama administration)

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 27 NAYS: 13 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, John Coghill, Nancy Dahlstrom, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Richard Foster, Carl Gatto, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Woodie Salmon, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson

Nays: Bob Buch, Sharon Cissna, Harry Crawford, Mike Doogan, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, Lindsey Holmes, Scott Kawasaki, Beth Kertulla, Pete Petersen, Chris Tuck

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 VACANT: 1

Yeas: Con Bunde, Betty Davis, Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Albert Kookesh, Lesil McGuire, Linda Menard, Kevin Meyer, Donny Olson, Joe Paskvan, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Bill Wielechowski

Nays: Fred Dyson, Gene Therriault, Thomas Wagoner

Vacant: Juneau seat (Kim Elton resigned for a position in the Obama administration)

Fiscal Year 2011

Operating Budget: $4.8 billion

Capital Budget: $615 million

Total: $5.4 billion

Governor: Republican (Sean Parnell)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Bi-partisan coalition (President Gary Stevens)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 34 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, Nancy Dahlstrom, Mike Doogan, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Neal Foster, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Lindsey Holmes, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, Beth Kertulla, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Woodie Salmon, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Bob Buch, Harry Crawford, David Guttenberg, Scott Kawasaki, Pete Petersen, Chris Tuck

Senate

YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: John Coghill, Betty Davis, Fred Dyson, Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Albert Kookesh, Lesil McGuire, Linda Menard, Kevin Meyer, Donny Olson, Joe Paskvan, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Tom Wagoner, Bill Wielechowski

Nays: Con Bunde

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 30 NAYS: 10 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, Nancy Dahlstrom, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Neal Foster, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, John Harris, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Mike Kelly, Beth Kertulla, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Jay Ramras, Woodie Salmon, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Bob Buch, Harry Crawford, Mike Doogan, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, David Guttenberg, Lindsey Holmes, Scott Kawasaki, Pete Petersen, Chris Tuck

Senate

YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Con Bunde

Now the party really gets going!

Note how many people voted for the really big budgets. They all got what they wanted

Fiscal Year 2012

Operating Budget: $5.4 billion

Capital Budget: $1.6 billion million

Total: $7 billion

Governor: Republican (Sean Parnell)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Bi-partisan coalition (President Gary Stevens)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 36 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, Mia Costello, Alan Dick, Mike Doogan, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon) Eric Feige, Neal Foster, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller, Beth Kertulla, Bob Lynn, Bob Miller, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Steve Thompson, Chris Tuck, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Lindsey Holmes,Scott Kawasaki, Pete Petersen

Excused: Reggie Joule

Senate

YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: John Coghill, Betty Davis, Fred Dyson, Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Albert Kookesh, Lesil McGuire, Linda Menard, Kevin Meyer, Donny Olson, Joe Paskvan, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Tom Wagoner, Bill Wielechowski

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 30 NAYS: 7 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Mia Costello, Alan Dick, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon) Eric Feige, Neal Foster, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, Bob Herron, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Beth Kertulla, Bob Lynn, Bob Miller, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Steve Thompson, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Sharon Cissna, Mike Doogan, Les Gara, Lindsey Holmes, Scott Kawasaki, Pete Petersen, Chris Tuck

Excused: Berta Gardner, Mike Hawker, Bill Thomas

Senate

YEAS: 13 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 4 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Betty Davis, Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Lyman Hoffman, Lesil McGuire, Linda Menard, Donny Olson, Joe Paskvan, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Joe Thomas, Tom Wagoner, Bill Wielechowski

Nays: John Coghill, Cathy Giessel, Charlie Huggins

Excused: Fred Dyson, Hollis French, Albert Kookesh, Kevin Meyer

Fiscal Year 2013 (Largest budget in Alaska history)

*This is the first year of a budget deficit since FY 2006. The deficit grows every year and is now reflected below

Operating Budget: $5.7 billion

Capital Budget: $2 billion million

Total: $7.7 billion

Deficit: Over $1 billion

Governor: Republican (Sean Parnell)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Bi-partisan coalition (President Gary Stevens)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 32 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Mia Costello, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Eric Feige, Les Gara, Carl Gatto, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Lindsey Holmes, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Wes Keller, Beth Kertulla, Bob Lynn, Bob Miller, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Steve Thompson, Chris Tuck, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Sharon Cissna, Mike Doogan, Berta Gardner, Scott Kawasaki, Pete Petersen

Excused: Alan Austerman, Alan Dick, Neal Foster

Senate

YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 37 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 VACANT: 1

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Sharon Cissna, Mia Costello, Alan Dick, Bryce Edgmon, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Eric Feige, Neal Foster, Les Gara, Berta Gardner, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Lindsey Holmes, Kyle Johansen, Craig Johnson, Reggie Joule, Scott Kawasaki, Wes Keller, Beth Kertulla, Bob Lynn, Bob Miller, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Bill Thomas, Steve Thompson, Chris Tuck, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Mike Doogan, Pete Petersen

Vacant: Palmer seat (Carl Gatto passed away)

Senate

YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Fiscal Year 2014 (Second largest budget in Alaska history)

*This is the year the senate changed from a bi-partisan coalition to Republican controlled. Putting Republicans fully in control of the legislature and governor’s office

Operating Budget: $6.4 billion

Capital Budget: $880 million

Total: $7.3 billion

Deficit: Over $1.6 billion

Governor: Republican (Sean Parnell)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Republican led (President Charlie Huggins)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 29 NAYS: 8 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Mia Costello, Bryce Edgmon, Eric Feige, Lynn Gattis, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Pete Higgins, Lindsey Holmes, Shelley Hughes, Doug Isaacson, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Cathy Munoz, Ben Nageak, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Lora Reinbold, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Steve Thompson, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Harriet Drummond, Les Gara, Max Gruenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Beth Kerttula, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck

Excused: Neal Foster, David Guttenberg, Charisse Millett

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Click Bishop, John Coghill, Mike Dunleavy, Fred Dyson, Dennis Egan, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Pete Kelly, Lesil McGuire, Kevin Meyer, Peter Micciche, Donny Olson, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens

Nays: Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Bill Wielechowski

Excused: Berta Gardner

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 39 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Mia Costello, Harriet Drummond, Bryce Edgmon, Eric Feige, Neal Foster, Les Gara, Lynn Gattis, Max Gruenberg, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Pete Higgins, Lindsey Holmes, Shelley Hughes, Doug Isaacson, Craig Johnson, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Wes Keller, Beth Kerttula, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Ben Nageak, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Lora Reinbold, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Geran Tarr, Steve Thompson, Chris Tuck, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Excused: David Guttenberg

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Berta Gardner, Bill Wielechowski

Fiscal Year 2015

Operating Budget: $5.4 billion

Capital Budget: $880 million

Total: $6.3 billion

Deficit: Over $2.7 billion

Governor: Republican (Sean Parnell)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Republican led (President Charlie Huggins)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 32 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Mia Costello, Bryce Edgmon, Eric Feige, Neal Foster, Lynn Gattis, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Pete Higgins, Lindsey Holmes, Shelley Hughes, Doug Isaacson, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller, Sam Kito, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Ben Nageak, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Lora Reinbold, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Steve Thompson, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Les Gara, Davig Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck

Excused: Harriet Drummond, Max Gruenberg

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Johnny Ellis, Hollis French, Berta Gardner, Bill Wielechowski

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 38 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Alan Austerman, Mike Chenault, Mia Costello, Harriet Drummond, Bryce Edgmon, Eric Feige, Neal Foster, Les Gara, Lynn Gattis, Max Gruenberg, David Guttenberg, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Pete Higgins, Lindsey Holmes, Shelley Hughes, Doug Isaacson, Craig Johnson, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Wes Keller, Sam Kito, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Ben Nageak, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton, Bill Stoltze, Geran Tarr, Steve Thompson, Chris Tuck, Peggy Wilson, Tammie Wilson

Excused: Bob Lynn, Lora Reinbold

Senate

YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Click Bishop, John Coghill, Mike Dunleavy, Fred Dyson, Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Anna Fairclough (now MacKinnon), Hollis French, Berta Gardner, Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Pete Kelly, Lesil McGuire, Kevin Meyer, Peter Micciche, Donny Olson, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens

Nays: Bill Wielechowski

Fiscal Year 2016

Operating Budget: $5.3 billion

Capital Budget: $127 million

Total: $5.4 billion

Deficit: Over $3.6 billion

Governor: Independent (Bill Walker)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Republican led (President Kevin Meyer)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 25 NAYS: 14 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Jim Colver, Bryce Edgmon, Neal Foster, Lynn Gattis, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Shelley Hughes, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton. Louise Stutes, Dave Talerico, Steve Thompson, Cathy Tilton, Liz Vazquez, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Matt Claman, Harriet Drummond, Les Gara, Max Gruenberg, Davig Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Sam Kito, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Dan Ortiz, Lora Reinbold, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck, Adam Wool

Excused: Ben Nageak

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Click Bishop, John Coghill, Mia Costello, Mike Dunleavy, Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Pete Kelly, Anna MacKinnon, Lesil McGuire, Kevin Meyer, Peter Micciche, Donny Olson, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Bill Stoltze

Nays: Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Berta Gardner, Bill Wielechowski

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 29 NAYS: 9 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Jim Colver, Bryce Edgmon, Neal Foster, Lynn Gattis, Mike Hawker, Bob Herron, Shelley Hughes, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Ben Nagaek, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Dan Ortiz, Lance Pruitt, Lora Reinbold, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton. Louise Stutes, Dave Talerico, Steve Thompson, Cathy Tilton, Liz Vazquez, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Harriet Drummond, Les Gara, Max Gruenberg, Davig Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Sam Kito, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck

Excused: Matt Claman, Adam Wool

Senate

YEAS: 18 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Click Bishop, John Coghill, Mia Costello, Mike Dunleavy, Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Charlie Huggins, Pete Kelly, Anna MacKinnon, Lesil McGuire, Kevin Meyer, Peter Micciche, Donny Olson, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Bill Stoltze

Nays: Berta Gardner, Bill Wielechowski

Fiscal Year 2017

Operating Budget: $4.4 billion

Capital Budget: $141 million

Total: $4.5 billion

Deficit: Over $2.8 billion

Governor: Independent (Bill Walker)

House: Republican led (Speaker Mike Chenault)

Senate: Republican led (President Kevin Meyer)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 24 NAYS: 14 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Jim Colver, Bryce Edgmon, Neal Foster, Lynn Gattis, Bob Herron, Shelley Hughes, Craig Johnson, Wes Keller, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton. Louise Stutes, Dave Talerico, Steve Thompson, Cathy Tilton, Liz Vazquez, Tammie Wilson

Nays: Matt Claman, Harriet Drummond, Les Gara, Davig Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Sam Kito, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Dan Ortiz, Lora Reinbold, Ivy Spohnolz, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck, Adam Wool

Excused: Mike Hawker, Ben Nageak

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Berta Gardner, Bill Wielechowski

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 34 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Mike Chenault, Matt Claman, Jim Colver, Bryce Edgmon, Neal Foster, Lynn Gattis, Les Gara, Bob Herron, Shelley Hughes, Craig Johnson, Scott Kawasaki, Wes Keller, Sam Kito, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Bob Lynn, Charisse Millett, Cathy Munoz, Ben Nagaek, Mark Neuman, Kurt Olson, Dan Ortiz, Lance Pruitt, Dan Saddler, Paul Seaton. Louise Stutes, Dave Talerico, Steve Thompson, Cathy Tilton, Chris Tuck, Liz Vazquez, Tammie Wilson, Adam Wool

Nays: Harriet Drummond, Davig Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Lora Reinbold, Geran Tarr

Excused: Mike Hawker

Senate

YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Nays: Dennis Egan, Johnny Ellis, Berta Gardner, Bill Wielechowski

Fiscal Year 2018

Operating Budget: $4.2 billion

Capital Budget: $132 million

Total: $4.3 billion

Deficit: Over $2.3 billion

Governor: Independent (Bill Walker)

House: Democrat led (Speaker Bryce Edgmon)

Senate: Republican led (President Pete Kelly)

Operating Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 22 NAYS: 17 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Matt Claman, Harriet Drummond, Bryce Edgmon, Zach Fansler, Neal Foster, Les Gara, Jason Grenn, David Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Sam Kito, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Dan Ortiz, Justin Parish, Paul Seaton. Ivy Spohnolz, Louise Stutes, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck, Dean Westlake, Adam Wool

Nays: Chris Birch, Mike Chenault, David Eastman, DeLena Johnson, Jennifer Johnston, Chuck Kopp, Gary Knopp, Charisse Millett, Lance Pruitt, George Rauscher, Lora Reinbold, Dan Saddler, Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, Dave Talerico, Steve Thompson, Cathy Tilton, Tammie Wilson

Excused: Mark Neuman

Senate

YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Click Bishop, John Coghill, Mia Costello, Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Pete Kelly, Anna MacKinnon, Kevin Meyer, Peter Micciche, Bert Stedman, Gary Stevens, Natasha von Imhof, David Wilson

Nays: Tom Begich, Mike Dunleavy, Dennis Egan, Berta Gardner, Shelley Hughes, Donny Olson, Bill Wielechowski

Capital Budget Vote

House

YEAS: 23 NAYS: 17 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Matt Claman, Harriet Drummond, Bryce Edgmon, Zach Fansler, Neal Foster, Les Gara, Jason Grenn, David Guttenberg, Andy Josephson, Scott Kawasaki, Sam Kito, Gary Knopp, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Gabrielle LeDoux, Dan Ortiz, Justin Parish, Paul Seaton. Ivy Spohnolz, Louise Stutes, Geran Tarr, Chris Tuck, Dean Westlake, Adam Wool

Nays: Chris Birch, Mike Chenault, David Eastman, DeLena Johnson, Jennifer Johnston, Chuck Kopp, Charisse Millett, Mark Neuman, Lance Pruitt, George Rauscher, Lora Reinbold, Dan Saddler, Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, Dave Talerico, Steve Thompson, Cathy Tilton, Tammie Wilson

Senate

YEAS: 13 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0

Yeas: Click Bishop, John Coghill, Mia Costello, Cathy Giessel, Lyman Hoffman, Shelley Hughes, Pete Kelly, Anna MacKinnon, Kevin Meyer, Peter Micciche, Gary Stevens, Natasha von Imhof, David Wilson

Nays: Tom Begich, Dennis Egan,, Berta Gardner, Donny Olson, Bill Wielechowski

Excused: Mike Dunleavy, Bert Stedman