Budget Concerns

Last year the legislature's Republican-led Majority successfully completed the fifth year of a five-year plan to reduce spending by $250 million. Despite budget restraints Alaska is not able to balance its budget without using savings. With 78% of Alaska's revenue coming from oil, the state's income is heavily influenced by the price of oil and production levels.

Should the Alaska legislature develop a long-term financial plan?

Yes
No

If yes, what components should be addressed in a long-term plan? Please rank in order of importance with 1 being most important and 7 being least important.

Continue to reduce state spending.

New taxes or increased taxes. ie: state sales tax, school tax, oil and gas tax, income tax, alcohol tax.

Use of Permanent Fund earnings reserve.

Use of Constitutional Budget Reserve.

New revenue sources.

Cap Permanent Fund Dividend.

Biennial state budget.

Other.

What ideas do you have for new revenue sources?

Other comments.

Biennial State Budget

I have proposed an amendment to the state constitution which would allow for a biennial state budget. It calls for the governor to propose a budget for two fiscal years. During the first year of the legislative session, the legislature would deliberate and approve a budget. The second year of the session would be freed up for other legislation and be limited to 60 days. A biennial budget would allow agencies to devise their budgets for two fiscal years, giving more time to implement the budget and allow for advanced planning initiatives, resulting in cost efficiencies and greater productivity overall. A real cost savings would be seen by limiting the second session to 60 days. A supplemental budget could be introduced in the second session to allow for unforeseen fluctuations in revenue.

Do you support an amendment to the constitution that allows for biennial state budgeting and limits the second session to 60 days?

Yes
No

Comments?

State High School Qualifying Exams

In 1997, the Alaska legislature enacted legislation that requires all Alaska high school students to demonstrate competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Beginning with the graduating class of 2002, all students must pass the High School Qualifying Examination in addition to completing all course requirements, to earn a high school diploma. Students who do not pass the examination will receive a certificate of attendance. The governor has asked for a delay in the implementation of the High School Qualifying Exam until 2006.

Should there be a delay in the test as a graduation requirement?

Yes
No

Comments?

Military

Reapportionment of Alaska's legislative districts takes place this year. An issue exists as to whether the Alaska State Redistricting Board will fully count all U.S. military members and their dependents in determining the apportionment of legislative seats in the Alaska State Legislature.

Should members of the U.S. military be fully counted in the apportionment of legislative seats in the Alaska State Legislature?

Yes
No

Alcohol Excise Tax

Alcohol abuse and underage drinking are devastating problems in Alaska. Alaska's current alcohol tax has remained at a flat rate since 1983 and brings into the state about $15 million a year. If we were to increase the tax by 10 cents per drink to keep pace with inflation, it could mean $33 million in additional revenue to the state. Alcohol abuse programs cost the state a minimum of $206 million each year.

Do you support adding 10 cents per drink to an already existing tax to keep pace with inflation, and to help offset the cost of alcohol abuse?

Yes
No

Would you support an additional 10 cents per drink increase for municipalities to use for supporting alcohol abuse programs that are currently being covered by property taxes?

Yes
No

Studies show one of the most effective ways to reduce alcohol consumption in youths is through cost. What other means should the legislature address to curb underage drinking?

Driving under the Influence

Over the last few years, the state has seen an increase in drivers driving under the influence of alcohol, which has cost the lives of many Alaskans. Several bills have been introduced this session to address this concern from increasing penalties for DWI to lowering the legal limit of driving while under the influence from .10 to .08

Do you support a change in the current law to lowering the legal blood alcohol limit?

Yes
No

What other steps should the legislature take to curb driving under the influence?

Natural Gas Pipeline Route

Due to increased demand for natural gas, there are several proposed natural gas pipeline routes under consideration to deliver Alaska's North Slope gas to market. The southern route follows the existing oil pipeline to Fairbanks, then follows the Alaska Highway down through British Columbia. The northern route would cross the Beaufort Sea from Prudhoe Bay to Inuvik, Northwest Territory then connect and combine with the planned Mackenzie Delta/Valley pipeline.

Which route do you support?

Southern
Northern
Other
Do not support gas development

What concerns do you have regarding a natural gas pipeline in Alaska?

Legislative Priorities

What issues do you believe the legislature should set as priorities for this year?

District Priorities

What are your concerns and priorities in our district?

Representative Murkowski will be sending out electronic legislative updates via e-mail. The legislative updates will cover issues important to the district and her personal legislation. Sign-up here by including your e-mail address in the space below or by dropping me a note via e-mail or via phone or mail. You can find my contact information at http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/murkowski.htm.

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