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Spotlight on Juneau "An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"
"Spotlight on Juneau" January 16, 2004
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SECOND SESSION OF 23rd. ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE OPENS WITH REPUBLICANS LYNNCHING ONE OF THEIR OWN!!!
Representative Bob Lynn of Anchorage made a campaign promise to his constituents that he would attempt to override Governor Murkowski's 2003 veto of the Longevity Bonus Program. During the House opening ceremony on Monday the question was asked, "should the House and Senate meet in joint session to discuss the Longevity Bonus issue?". Representative Lynn and all the House Democrats voted to have that discussion. Representative Lynn honored his campaign promise, but angered the Republican Caucus by breaking ranks.
For attempting to do the people's business he was stripped of two leadership roles in the Republican majority. Not by choice, Representative Lynn has become the "poster child" for all that's wrong with the current caucus system, where legislators are not allowed to vote for their constituents if it usurps power from those that "claim" to represent the people.
How do you feel about this issue? Go to our home page survey now and give us your opinion. If you agree with Representative Lynn's actions, give him a call of support at: 800 870-4931. Click here and email your comments to the House Republican Caucus members.
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GOVERNOR MURKOWSKI OUTLINES PLAN TO USE PERMANENT FUND TO KEEP HIS GOVERNMENT AFLOAT IN STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS:
Governor Murkowski's "endowment plan" for funding government just got a little more expensive. He hand picked a group, that will hand pick more members, until 55 people are involved. This group was told what to do, and what results are expected. When this task has been accomplished, they will be given public money to promote the "conclusion" they were commanded to arrive at. All of which makes perfect sense for a governor and legislature that doesn't want to "get THEIR hands dirty" by directly attempting to take the people's PFD away to pay for a government once fully funded by the oil flowing from Prudhoe Bay.
It is very easy for every Alaskan to send a message to the governor and legislature with a few clicks of the mouse. If people don't express their views now the very last resort will be on election day 2004!
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CAN CITIZENS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE???
YES they can!!! And Mike Armour in Haines proved it again last fall when the TWO ballot initiatives he drafted were approved by voters. Both were aimed at controlling the size and cost of local government. In recognition of his efforts the Alaska Voters Organization Board of Directors voted to award Mike Armour an honorary membership. The membership and a resolution citing Mr. Armours accomplishment were presented in person by a board staff person. Mike Armour has earned the respect of every Alaskan that believes small, efficient government is in OUR best interest.
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PERMANENT FUND LEGISLATION TO BE HEARD THIS WEEK
Tuesday, January 20, (time TBA) the House Finance Committee will hold hearings on HJR 26 the Percent of Market Value scheme.
Wednesday, January 21 at 0800 the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on SJR 18 the POMV scheme and SJR 19 which will protect the Permanent Fund earnings within the Alaska Constitution.
Thursday, January 22 at 0800, the House State Affairs Committee will hold hearings on HJR 3 which like SJR 19 will protect the Permanent Fund earnings within the Alaska Constitution.
Friday, January 23 at 0800, the House Ways & Means Special Committee will hold hearings on HJR 31 which will eliminate the PFD forever!
Have you sent a letter to the legislature and governor supporting efforts to put the PFD into Alaska's Constitution? Send us a copy of your letter and maybe we will use it on the web site! Click HERE to see the most recent member provided letter. Sign and send as is, or write your own. Its fast, easy, and helps remind the legislature how you feel about YOUR
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KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH TO CONSIDER RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO GOVERNOR MURKOWSKI'S POMV SCHEME
Tuesday, January 20 at 230 pm, during the Kenai Peninsula Borough Legislative Committee and again at 700 pm, during the regular Borough Assembly meeting a Resolution in Opposition to SJR 18 the Percent of Market Value scheme will be heard. Both the Resolution and Sponsor's memo outline problems with the POMV plan and raise questions that MUST be answered BEFORE such a plan could be seriously considered.
If you are still not sure how the different proposed legislation will affect the Permanent Fund visit a comparison chart developed by the Alaska Voters Organization. Hyperlinks at the bottom will lead to official source documents for those wishing to do additional research. Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes and become familiar with the details. Remember the "devil is always in the details"!
Click here to contact Assembly Members. If you send your message to "all" (at the bottom of page) your message will also be added to the meeting packet. Every resident of the Kenai Peninsula Borough should send a message so the Assembly is clear on the public's wishes in regard to the Permanent Fund. If this resolution is adopted it will be forwarded to the Alaska State Legislature for their consideration. How this issue is decided will be recorded on the Watchdog page! _______________
Please forward this message to everyone you know in Alaska, and ask them to do the same. Everyone is welcome and strongly encouraged to join AK Voters. It is absolutely FREE to join, and each member automatically receives future issues of the "Spotlight on Juneau ". Working together we CAN and WILL make a positive difference for Alaska's future! _______________
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