Alaska House approves state operating budget with amendment to cut funding for abortion services
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JUNEAU — The Alaska House of Representatives has approved a multibillion-dollar state operating budget that keeps the state running past July 1, but before the final vote, lawmakers added an amendment intended to defund state-provided abortion services.
Democratic lawmakers objected to the amendment, saying that it harms the rights of women, is unconstitutional and will provoke lawsuits. Republican lawmakers said it was important to them to speak up for the rights of unborn Alaskans. The amendment passed 21-18.
About an hour later, the House voted 23-16 on Monday to approve $4.2 billion in services funded by tax revenue and transfers from the Alaska Permanent Fund. When federal money and fee-funded programs are included, the budget exceeds $10 billion.