Editorials

"An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"

"FORMAL RESOLUTION AGAINST HB 106"

By The Alaska Voters Organization, Board of Directors, March 5, 2003

ALASKA VOTERS ORGANIZATION

RESOLUTION 2003-04

A RESOLUTION TO THE 23^rd ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE

IN OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 106,

THE PROPOSED NEW DEFINITION OF LOBBYIST

WHEREAS, Alaska has had a law regulating lobbyists for 25 years, and HB 106 will render that law ineffective; and

 

WHEREAS, only individuals receiving compensation for their lobbying efforts are restricted or regulated in any way; and

 

WHEREAS, HB 106 will permit most lobbyists to participate in the direct management and fundraising activities of political campaigns, fostering an inappropriate relationship between lobbyists and political candidates for state office; and

 

WHEREAS, HB 106 transfers more power and influence to special interests, while diminishing the influence of the private citizens of Alaska; and

 

WHEREAS, HB 106 clearly benefits both lobbyists and legislators at the expense of Alaskan citizens; and

 

WHEREAS, state law should not be relaxed to make it easier for lobbyist to influence our legislators; and

 

WHEREAS, the public has a right to know the truth about all the funds paid to influence the Alaskan Legislature; and

 

WHEREAS, this bill promotes bad public policy that will further erode the public’s trust in the legislative process;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA VOTERS ORGANIZATION:

 

THAT WE SUPPORT THE EXISTING ALASKA STATUTES SECTION 24.45; AND OPPOSE HB 106.

 

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA VOTERS ORGANIZATION THIS 4^th DAY OF MARCH 2003.

 

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