James, according to the Associated Press, then reminded Halcro of the majority members' obligation to support the budget. When Democrat Hayes offered the university amendment, Halcro spoke up. Last year, Halcro said, there was a commitment by House leadership to fund the university's full request, but after the Senate had its say most of the request was funded. James, in an interview after the vote, said Halcro should not think that he can be effective as an individual. The Legislature consists of 60 very different people and a team is needed, she said.
Nothing is done alone here.
Anchorage Republican Eldon Mulder, the main architect of the House operating budget, had said on the House floor that the university stood to pick up other monies as bills moved through the process and the final House-Senate budget is passed. He made a similar promise regarding pupil transportation, and noted that bills to increase K-12 education spending have been filed. There are 70 communities with no resident law enforcement officers, they said.