(JUNEAU) - The House Task Force on Alaska Gaming Policy, established last year under House Resolution 8 (HR 8), has scheduled a hearing to take public comment on the establishment of a gaming commission in Alaska.

The task force worked throughout 2005 to discuss issues outlined in HR 8, which included the pros and cons of establishing a gaming commission, the composition and responsibilities of a commission, what gaming activities should be authorized, and ultimately whether a gaming commission is recommended in Alaska.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 9th beginning at 1:30 PM and public comment will be accepted at any Legislative Information Office (LIO) throughout the state. Representative Tom Anderson (R-Anchorage) will convene the meeting from the Anchorage LIO. In addition to taking public testimony during the hearing, Representative Anderson is encouraging people to submit written testimony to his office to be included in the final report he will present to the Alaska House of Representatives at the end of this month. Representative Anderson will accept written testimony through March 16th. The final report must be presented to the House of Representatives by March 31st.

Questions and comments regarding the hearing or the task force's work should be directed to Heath Hilyard, Representative Anderson's aide and staff to the task force. Mr. Hilyard can be reached at 907-465-5031 or at Heath_Hilyard@legis.state.ak.us.

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