Dear Neighbors,

For the last 30 days, the Alaska State Legislature has been working to absorb and analyze the information necessary to make wise decisions about oil tax rates and the gas pipeline contract negotiations. Our ultimate goal: to secure financial stability for the Alaska's future, to get the best return for our natural resources, and to establish a legal process through which contract negotiations may proceed.

We've had enough time to come to well thought-out conclusions. The problem is, those conclusions are still very divided. The House stood firm with a version of the Petroleum Production Tax at 23.5/20, the Senate was willing to compromise at 22.5/20, and the Administration was still insisting on 20/20. On the last day of the special session, with the PPT bill dying in on the House floor, it might seem that little was actually accomplished.

In fact, we have all learned a great deal and, with a bit more time and cooperation, we should be able to settle on a Petroleum Production Tax rate and then move forward with the gas pipeline contract.

Compromise is always a necessary ingredient in constructing successful legislation. So is the free flow of information, a certain degree of trust, and, as now, when the issues are so important, it is also imperative to suspend partisan politics and work together to ensure the outcome is the best possible for the State of Alaska.

# # #

All addresses are "blind" for your privacy. A strict "no spam" policy is observed. If you don’t wish to receive "Legislative Update", just let me know. If you know a friend or neighbor in District P who has not received "Legislative Update" but would like to be included, I will be glad to include them if they contact me. Your replies, comments, questions, and/or suggestions are welcome. Constituent comments on legislation and policy issues may be tabulated, shared with other legislators, or quoted in speeches. Names, however, will be kept private.