Gov. Sean Parnell got much of what he wanted in a House version of the state operating budget. But the finance committee only offered a portion of the money he'd requested to advance a major natural gas line upfront. The panel withheld, for now, funding requested for his in-state gas development team. Committee co-chair Republican Rep. Mike Hawker made clear that fuller funding could be included in spending proposals later. He says the goal isn't to stand in the way of projects advancing; rather, he says it's about fiscal responsibility. He says some lawmakers want more information from Parnell's administration on how money is being used. Hawker said the operating budget is about $34 million less than Parnell had requested.

(Associated Press)