Session: State Capitol, Room 409 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Toll Free: (800) 686-3824 Phone: (907) 465-3824 Fax: (907) 465-3175 Interim: PO Box 109 Wrangell, AK 99929 Toll Free: (800) 686-3824 Phone: (907) 874-3088 Fax: (907) 874-3055 Petersburg Phone: (907) 772-3829 Sitka Phone: (907) 747-4665

Town Meetings Scheduled on Fiscal Policy
Rep. Wilson Seeks Southeast Alaskans' Input on Budget Issues

(WRANGELL) - Rep. Peggy Wilson (R-Wrangell) will host three town meetings in Petersburg, Sitka and Wrangell to give Southeast Alaskans the chance to voice their opinions on how Alaska should address its looming financial challenges.

"I want to pose a simple, but critical, question to my constituents in District 2: 'How would you like me to vote on the proposals that will no doubt be presented during the legislative session that resumes Jan. 14?'" Wilson said. "I need to hear from the people I represent, and these town meetings are a good way to achieve that direct person-to-person communication."

The town meeting in Wrangell is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. at the Wrangell High School Commons. In Petersburg, the meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. in Petersburg's City Council Chambers. In Sitka, the meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m., at the Centennial Building.

Wilson said she plans to run the hearings as informal discussion of the state budget as "Alaska's Checkbook," and will demonstrate that continuing declines in state oil revenues, combined with the likelihood of reduced federal funds, are inexorably leading Alaska's checkbook to a point of "insufficient funds."

"Given this situation, we face the need for some combination of cutting spending - and that means government services - and increasing revenues," Wilson said. "If we have to make reductions, where would people like to see them made? There have also been proposals made on ways to increase revenues. Should we consider taxes on income, gasoline, or alcohol? Should we consider using a portion of Permanent Fund earnings after dividends and inflation-proofing?"

"We already have bills proposed to implement some of these steps, and we are likely to see more when session resumes next January," Wilson said. "These are all elements of an issue that I want to talk over with my constituents. These town meeting will include presentations by a representative of the Alaska Department of Revenue, who will open up the state's checkbook and show us the income and outflow, the timelines and deadlines, so that the public can share their ideas and constructive solutions on how to balance their own checkbook."

"This checkbook belongs to the voting public, and it affects Alaska's future," she said. "I don't have all of the answers; I need to hear from the voters, and that's why I am holding these meetings. I hope to see you there."

For more information on the town meetings, call Wilson's interim legislative offices in Petersburg at (907) 772-3829; in Sitka at (907) 747-4665; or in Wrangell at (907) 874-3088; or call toll-free at (800)-686-3824.

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