(JUNEAU) - The 2K Caucus will be holding joint constituent teleconferences during the legislative session.

During previous sessions, the legislators at constituent teleconferences were those directly elected from the specific district. The Caucus has decided to discontinue that practice, which resulted in two separate teleconferences for the two senate and four house districts involved.

"To some degree, we are working to downsize our own small portion of the bureaucracy", said Sen. Alan Austerman. "We are consolidating our teleconferences."

Rep. Paul Seaton commented, "I believe that this will be a first - it should be very interesting to listen to the concerns of citizens from Kodiak to Nikiski." Rep. Kelly Wolf noted, "It will be beneficial to hear all of the public comments; after all, we are here as State Legislators as well as representatives of our own districts".

Rep. Mike Chenault and Rep. Gary Stevens indicated their interest in the new process as well, noting that the public could also benefit from this because they would be able to hear firsthand the opinions of citizens in the other areas.

The caucus will also provide for "off-net" telephoning, for individuals that are unable to travel to a Legislative Information Office (LIO). The LIO's are responsible for providing teleconferencing for the legislature.

"I encourage people to check with the LIO in their area for information on this new process; the LIO officers work closely with their respective legislators and will be doing the same with the Caucus to make sure the teleconferencing continues to serve the public", said Sen. Tom Wagoner, Chair of the Caucus.

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