(Anchorage) - The House Majority Leadership met Sunday afternoon to discuss the Governor's call for a special session. They have released the following statement.

"We do not believe that a special session will be productive at this time. The court has already defined the type of statute they would accept and it is not representative of the views of the citizens of Alaska. Further, it is outside out side the bounds of what the state can afford.

The Court has, once again, exceeded its authority and has crossed over into lawmaking and appropriation powers reserved for the Legislative branch. The Legislature has already spoken on this issue, as have the people of the State of Alaska. The court is overruling the people of Alaska, the Legislature and the Administration. This is a critical public policy issue in which the people of Alaska deserve a voice.

The implication of same sex benefits and gasline contract policy decisions should not be decided by a lame duck Governor and Legislature.

Members of the House Leadership would prefer to return to Juneau in January and address the issue head on, taking the time and expertise to do it right.

We look forward to the Senate joining with us in asking the Governor to withdraw his call."

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