Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog
Senate Majority Press Secretary
Phone: 907/465-4582
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: January 13, 1997
Contact: Ken Freeman (907) 465-3804, Wendy Lindskoog (907) 465-4582.

Miller and Phillips Welcome 20th Legislature

Juneau — A continued spirit of cooperation between the Senate and House will mark the 20th Alaska Legislature, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Gail Phillips said Monday as they opened the legislative session.

"We are beginning our 20th Alaska Legislature with a promise to deliver a smaller, smarter government," said Senator Miller. "We are committed to reducing government today so that future generations of Alaskans will not have to pay for wasteful spending."

"By increasing Republican numbers in both the Senate and the House, Alaskans have sent a clear message asking us to continue in our 5-year fiscal plan to reduce the size and scope of government," said Speaker Phillips. "We were successful in reducing the size of government by $70 million in our first year of the plan. We will continue our goal to close the fiscal gap by the year 2001."

"Among the many big issues facing Alaska this year, the budget and education will once again top the list," said Miller. "While cutting the budget is a difficult process, we are committed to closing Alaska's fiscal gap and creating a government that puts people before the bureaucracy."

"Our research shows an unprecedented first, with both leaders of the House and Senate born in Alaska. Along with many members of both bodies also born in the 49th state, the 20th Legislature has the long-term perspective combined with the experience to lead Alaska into the 21st century," said Speaker Phillips.

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