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Taylor Calls on Minority to Practice What it Preaches

(JUNEAU) – Senator Ted Stevens, (R-Alaska) told a joint session of the legislature last week about the critical timing in getting Arctic Power the resources needed to continue their lobbying efforts for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Senator also made an impassioned plea for bipartisan cooperation.

"We must be ready," said Sen. Stevens. "I urge you to do all you can to maintain your commitment to Arctic Power and its lobbying efforts."

Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer speaking on behalf of Gov. Tony Knowles also stressed the need for passage of funding for Arctic Power at this critical stage and the Governor's office has called for bipartisanship this year as well.

HB 334 passed through the House Finance Committee as well as the full House with strong bipartisan support. Once in the Senate Finance Committee HB 334 passed with both committee Democrats voting in favor of movement, despite the fact that amendments for fishing and tourism money, offered by Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel) failed.

Once on the Senate floor three out of the six minority members voted in favor of passing HB 334 again illustrating the critical immediate need of this funding and the strong bipartisan support for its passage.

So why then did minority members stall this time critical, bipartisan bill for reconsideration. Especially when the minority leader admitted that he did not have the votes needed to amend this bill. Sen. Robin Taylor, (R-Wrangell) who objected to the politically motivated delay by the minority, said the answer was simple.

"It is partisan politics at its strongest," said Taylor. "While they are calling for bipartisan cooperation, they are stalling legislation that nearly everyone in Alaska says we need right now to open ANWR."

Sen. Taylor has called on the minority leader to "Put aside the partisan politics and help us open ANWR."

"This was the first bill to come to the Senate floor," said Taylor. "It speaks volumes of the minority's initial strategy for this year and I hope Sen. Ellis changes his partisan approach and works with us, for the good of Alaska."

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