"SAVE THE PFD" CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Maybe someone is FINALLY listening to the public?

Democrats decided this past week to use their end of session CBR vote to defend our Permanent Fund Dividend.  Details are outlined in their press release dated May 1, 2003.  House and Senate Democrats announced they do not intend to allow a withdrawal from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) unless the legislature acts to permanently protect (HJR 3) the people’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).

In a related story, the Democrats have clearly heard our "save the PFD" message loud and clear.  Recognizing public support for the Permanent Fund dividend and anxiety about possible legislative raids to pay for government, Senator Georgianna Lincoln (D-Rampart) introduced SJR 19 as one way to permanently protect the PFD.

“Right now, there is no constitutional protection for the Permanent Fund Dividend, and some legislators are looking to the PFD to bail us out of the state’s fiscal situation. We need to protect the PFD,” said Senator Lincoln.

The resolution, SJR 19 takes the exact language of the initiative sponsored by former Governor Jay Hammond and the group Alaskans for Efficient Government that would require a vote of the people in order for the legislature to spend any of the Permanent Fund earnings.

House Republicans continue holding HJR 3 hostage in Representative Weyhrauch's House State Affairs Committee.  Democrats have heard the people's voice, maybe the Republicans will eventually get the message too.  They WILL hear us during the next election cycle!  Deception and political rhetoric only work for so long! 

Click here to send your message in support of HJR 3.  Encourage your friends and family to do the same!  If you want to get even more involved in this important campaign, click HERE, and complete details will be sent.

REMEMBER, ONLY HJR 3 WILL PUT THE PFD

INTO ALASKA'S CONSTITUTION !!!

IS THE PUBLIC GETTING WHAT IT REALLY WANTS

FROM THE 23rd. LEGISLATURE ???

PERMANENT FUND

In the statewide Alaska Voters Organization June 2002 survey, the following question was asked:

Question 4.  Once the CBR has been depleted, there are only two other sources of revenue available to close a budget deficit of this size.  One is the Permanent Fund, and the other is taxation.  A third option seldom discussed by our government, would be cutting expenses to match income available.  What instructions will you give your elected representatives?

Public Response:

     A.  Continue state government spending at current levels, spend balance of CBR, tap             Permanent Fund, and find new revenue sources:  3%

     B.  Cut Spending:  90%

     C.  Other:  7%

How did the legislature respond when 90% of the public said, "CUT SPENDING before tapping the Permanent Fund or raising new revenue"? 

Our representatives have introduced at least 17 pieces of PERMANENT FUND legislation so far this session.  Of the 17 introduced, only 2 will save the dividend for future Alaskans and honor the people's wishes.  Those 2 are HJR 3 and SJR 19!

A total of 38 pieces of TAX LEGISLATION have also been introduced.  4 are TAX BREAKS for oil and gas companies, and 5 are TAX BREAKS for the commercial fishing industry.  12 are NEW TAXES on the public!  Who are your politicians actually representing while in Juneau?

The legislature still has time to do the "right thing" before this session ends.  Send your message now in support of the Permanent Fund Dividend, or about these proposed tax changes.

The Watchdog page will record how legislators finally vote on these important issues.  This information will make it easy for the public to decide who should represent us in the future!

As you read the following information concerning legislation being heard (or NOT ) this week, remember you can easily contact the legislature and tell them what you think about their actions (or inaction).

Use the Action or Links page for easy to use "tools" phone numbers and addresses.

Refer to the Alerts page for details on legislation of concern.  Find out who introduced legislation, and what it will cost.

See how your legislator is voting by going to the Watchdog page.  You might be surprised with what you find!  After looking at the Watchdog page, many people have begun to wonder who their representatives are really representing!

A complete list of bills being heard is available on the State of Alaska web site.  For a list of hearing locations where you can testify in person, see the Legislative Information Office web site. 

LEGISLATION BEING HEARD IN COMMITTEE THIS WEEK

(Click HERE for complete schedule)

Monday May 5, 2003

HJR 4 Proposes amending the constitution to limit legislative sessions to 90 days.  Recommend:  SUPPORT. 

HJR 4 will be heard by the House Judiciary Committee at 1:00 PM

Tuesday May 6, 2003

HJR 22, is a resolution in support of civil rights and civil liberties for all Americans, and questions certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act.  Introduced by Rep. Guttenberg, and co-sponsored by Rep. Crawford.  Urges the US Congress to correct provisions of the USA Patriot Act and other measures that unduly infringe on civil liberties and to oppose the Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003.  Recommend: SUPPORT

HJR 22 will be heard by the House State Affairs Committee at 8:00 AM

HB 230, Allows political signs along side roads in direct opposition to measure 5 on the 1998 ballot.  Introduced by Representative HOLM.  The prohibition of road side advertising signs issue began as an citizen initiative, and was ultimately approved by 72.38% of voters.  Once again the legislature is attempting to overturn the will of the people! 

HB 230 will be heard by the House State Affairs Committee at 8:00 AM

HB 230 will be heard by the House Transportation Committee at 1:30 PM

GOOD LEGISLATION NOT BEING HEARD THIS WEEK!!!

HB 19, This bill calls for a separate education budget and requires the legislature approve it by April 1 each year.  Sponsored by Rep. Stevens, and Wolf.  If passed, this would ensure  full education funding is provided, and eliminate it as an end of session bargaining chip!  Recommend: SUPPORT 

Held up in the House Special Committee on Education (GATTO [Chair], SEATON [Vice-Chair], Ogg, Wilson, Wolf, Gara, and Kapsner) since introduction on January 21, 2003! 

HCR 15, allows any member of the legislature and the governor to introduce legislation as individuals or as a group of members.  Introduced by Rep. Croft, and co-sponsored by Rep. Gara.  This will eliminate the deceptive practice of introducing questionable legislation "by committee".  Recommend: SUPPORT 

Held up in the House State Affairs Committee: (WEYHRAUCH [Chair], HOLM [Vice-Chair], Dahlstrom, Lynn, Seaton, Berkowitz, and Gruenberg) since introduction on April 2, 2003! 

HJR 3, Puts the question of whether the PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND should be put on the ballot for a vote of the people.   Sponsored by Rep. Crawford and Croft.   If approved by voters the dividend would become part of the constitution, using formula currently in place.  Recommend: SUPPORT 

Held up in the House State Affairs Committee: (WEYHRAUCH [Chair], HOLM [Vice-Chair], Dahlstrom, Lynn, Seaton, Berkowitz, and Gruenberg) since introduction on February 7, 2003! 

HJR 11, This constitutional amendment will end the legislature's policy of closed door meetings, and private caucus' when discussing the public's business.  Sponsored by Representatives CRAWFORD and Croft.  This will force our government to be more  transparent, honest, and worthy of trust once again.  Recommend: SUPPORT 

SB 80,  Finally an election law that makes sense!  Sponsored by Senator Davis.  It's about time we started making it easier rather than harder to vote.  Maybe it will help increase voter turnout?  Recommend: SUPPORT 

Held up by the Senate State Affairs Committee: (GARY STEVENS [Chair], COWDERY [Vice-Chair], Dyson, Guess, and Hoffman) since introduction on February 21, 2003! 

SCR 8, allows any member of the legislature and the governor to introduce legislation either as individuals or as a group of members for consideration.  Introduced by Representative Croft, and co-sponsored by Representative Gara.  This will eliminate the deceptive practice of introducing questionable legislation "by committee".  Recommend: SUPPORT   

Held up by the Senate State Affairs Committee: (GARY STEVENS [Chair], COWDERY [Vice-Chair], Dyson, Guess, and Hoffman) since introduction on April 2, 2003! 

SJR 6 This proposed constitutional amendment would reduce legislative sessions from 120 to 90 days.  Sponsored by Senator Guess.  This bill could save us $Billions!  Recommend: SUPPORT   

Held up by the Senate State Affairs Committee: (GARY STEVENS [Chair], COWDERY [Vice-Chair], Dyson, Guess, and Hoffman) since introduction on January 31, 2003! 

SJR 15, is a resolution in support of civil rights and civil liberties for all Americans, and questions certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act.  Introduced by Senator Ellis.  Urges the US Congress to correct provisions of the USA Patriot Act and other measures that unduly infringe on civil liberties and to oppose the Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003.  Recommend: SUPPORT 

Held up by the Senate State Affairs Committee: (GARY STEVENS [Chair], COWDERY [Vice-Chair], Dyson, Guess, and Hoffman) since introduction on April 2, 2003! 

It is the RESPONSIBILITY and DUTY of a committee chairperson to present GOOD LEGISLATION for public discussion and a vote.  If these bills are kept locked up until the end of session they die, and Alaskan voters are once again denied good public policy because of partisan politics. 

Please take a few minutes and tell these legislators what you think!  Telephone numbers and email addresses for all legislatures are available on the Links page. 

When you send letters or written testimony to the legislature remember to copy the media with your important message, because EVERYONE needs to know how you feel about the issues.  Also consider copying us with your letter for inclusion on AK Voters editorial 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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