Survey from Alaska State Representative Brian Porter

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Session:
State Capitol, Room 208
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4930
Fax: (907) 465-3834

Interim:
716 W 4th, Suite 300
Anchorage, AK 99501-2133
Phone: (907) 269-0155
Fax: (907) 269-0154

Dear Neighbor:

As we work our way through this first session of the 22nd Alaska State Legislature, I would appreciate your taking the time to fill out the following survey about some of the issues that we are facing this year.

Your input on education, the gas pipeline, drunk driving laws, and other issues will be a valuable resource when the Legislature deals with these issues this session.

Again, thank you for taking the time in filling out this survey.

The federal government has mandated that all states lower the legal blood alcohol level for DWI to .08. Those states that do not comply will lose a portion of federal transportation funding. Do you support lowering Alaska's blood alcohol limit to .08?

In 1997, the Alaska legislature enacted legislation requiring all Alaska school students to demonstrate competency in reading, writing and math. Beginning with the 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 only 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?

If "Yes", delay for:

In your opinion, which one of the following is the primary reason students are failing the high school competency test?

		Failure of teachers to adequately prepare students for the test
		Inadequate lead time for students to prepare for the test
		Current curriculum that does not prepare students for the test
		Inadequate funding of education by the legislature
		Poor fund allocation decisions by local school districts and state Dept. of Education
		Testing standards are too high

The State of Alaska has not issued general obligation (GO) bonds for twenty years. Would you support a GO bond issue for school construction and deferred maintenance?

Currently, non-profit organizations that engage in political activities are the only organizations not required to disclose their sources of income. Do you believe these organizations (e.g. Sierra Club, AKPIRG, ACV) should be required to disclose their sources of income that are used to influence elections and initiatives in Alaska?

The formula for setting the minimum wage in Alaska is determined by taking the federal minimum wage and adding fifty cents. The state's minimum wage is currently set at $5.65 per hour, less than Washington, Oregon or California. Do you support raising the minimum wage to $6.40 per hour next year increased to $6.90 the following year?

In your opinion, what is the most important issue facing people in Alaska today-the issue you are personally concerned about?

The State has a small budget surplus this year. However, it is estimated the state will face a $500 million deficit next year. Budget cuts alone are not likely to balance our budget. Please rank your priority for the following options you believe the Legislature should undertake to help balance the budget. (1 - highest priority, 7 - lowest priority)

Impose a state sales tax.


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

An increase in fuel taxes


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

A cruise ship passenger tax


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

An increase in alcohol taxes


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

Re-imposition of a state income tax


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

Imposition of a seasonal sales tax


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

An increase in oil industry taxes


high	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	low

Other

Do you support efforts to cut the state budget or do you believe the budget has been cut enough already?

If you favor continued cuts in state services, please indicate which services should be cut and/or eliminated.

Do you support or oppose construction of a gas pipeline that would bring Alaska's North Slope reserves to market?

Which of the proposed gas pipeline routes do you prefer?

		Southern route running along the existing oil pipeline to Fairbanks and then along the Alaska Highway through Canada to the lower 48
		Northern route that goes offshore at Prudhoe Bay across the Beaufort Sea through Canada to the lower 48
		A route along the existing oil pipeline to tidewater at Valdez or Kenai
		None of the above

If the gas pipeline is built, who do you believe should ultimately own and control it?

Do you believe there is an "Urban/Rural Split" in Alaska?

If yes, is it an important issue to you?

If important, what do you feel is the leading cause of the split?

Please list other issues you believe are important that need to be addressed by the Legislature.

What is your name?

What is your address?

What is your E-Mail address? I'll send you the final results if you include your e-mail address here.

City and neighborhood (if applicable)

What is your party affiliation?

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