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Sponsor Statement for SCR 28
Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force

Establishing the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force.

Alaska's salmon industry has recently met with hard times due to a number of factors, from sharp increases in farmed salmon production to the strong U.S. dollar. The downturn in salmon prices is having direct negative impacts on our working families and our communities and is causing hardship throughout our state economy. State government revenues derived from taxation on the industry are also declining as a result, meaning fewer resources are available to fund state government. As leaders of this state, it is incumbent on both houses of the legislature to address this situation with the utmost urgency.

To that end, SCR 28 creates a Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force to address those elements of the crisis that can be solved through governmental policy. After examining the numerous factors affecting various sectors of the industry, the task force will recommend specific means by which state government can assist the industry in the most efficient and effective ways possible. Furthermore, it will address those elements of the crisis that can best be solved through action in the private sector.

The Task Force will be composed of:

• Two members of the Senate
• Two members of the House of Representatives
• Nine members of the public who are involved in the commercial salmon industry
• A chairman and vice-chairman shall be appointed jointly by the Senate President and Speaker of the House.

The Task Force will submit a report of its findings to the legislature, including a long-term vision for the Alaska salmon industry, by January 31, 2003, and will be terminated on March 1, 2003.

Previous salmon summits organized in recent years have produced valuable suggestions, yet Alaska still lacks effective leadership for its salmon industry. This resolution is a major step the Legislature can take towards providing that leadership.

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