Dear Neighbors,

We are a third of the way through the 2005 Session of the 24th Legislature. The days are getting longer and the time to solve the fiscal problem is getting shorter. For that reason, I will be co-sponsoring Senate Joint Resolution 1. This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment establishing an appropriation limit that would be more closely aligned to Alaska’s current revenue picture. I believe this will demonstrate the Legislature’s commitment to act as good stewards of the people’s money.

Using this same philosophy, I am also co-sponsoring Senate Bill 88. This bill will double the life expectancy of the Constitutional Budget Reserve and, when needed, fills the potential fiscal gap between the general fund expenditures and general fund revenues until our state’s natural resources can be further developed. It has the potential of strengthening the State of Alaska bond rating and saving millions of dollars on future bond offerings.

Both of these pieces of legislation are major building blocks of a long-range fiscal plan.

I am pleased to report that two of my bills are on the move. Senate Bill 87, the primary seat belt law, recently passed out of Senate State Affairs and the next committee of referral is Senate Judiciary. SB 87 is supported not only by a majority of Alaskans, but also by police and EMT departments across the state.

My enhanced 911 surcharge bill, Senate Bill 100, passed out of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and will next be heard in Senate Finance. This bill was offered at the request of the Anchorage Police Department.

I also introduced a bill that will greatly improve the chances of solving past crimes. Senate Bill 95 allows a peace officer, correctional, probation or parole officer to use reasonable force to collect an oral sample for inclusion into the DNA registration system from a person required to submit a sample under current state law. This bill will also close a loophole in current law that allows individuals convicted of crimes charged under municipal ordinances to escape DNA collection.

I have also signed on as co-sponsor for Senate Joint Resolution 7. This resolution provides for a constitutional amendment requiring the direct election of an attorney general.

The biggest issue facing us this year and the one most likely to have an impact on the economic future of the State of Alaska will be the gas pipeline. If you would like to get an update on information about stranded gas, you might check the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee’s new web page: http://www.lba.legis.state.ak.us You will find copies of minutes and presentations on stranded gas hearings at this site.

Another informative website is: http://www.anwr.org/ This site contains a great deal of facts, photos and links for ANWR. If you have friends and relative in the lower 48 who have concerns or questions about ANWR, pass this link on to them.

Over the next few weeks, you will be receiving my newsletter and survey. Please fill out the survey and send it back to my office. Your response helps me prioritize issues.

I encourage you to stay in close communication with me and continue to send me your thoughts and suggestions on state policy. Our toll free phone number is 1-800-892-4843 and my email address is Senator_Con_Bunde@legis.state.ak.us.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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All addresses are "blind" for your privacy. A strict "no spam" policy is observed. If you don’t wish to receive "Legislative Update", just let me know. If you know a friend or neighbor in District P who has not received "Legislative Update" but would like to be included, I will be glad to include them if they contact me. Your replies, comments, questions, and/or suggestions are welcome. Constituent comments on legislation and policy issues may be tabulated, shared with other legislators, or quoted in speeches. Names, however, will be kept private.