Weekly Star Editorial for April 10, 1997

Here is an update of some of the happenings here in Juneau. We are getting close to the final days of the first half of the twentieth legislature and things are really starting to heat up.

BUDGET

The budget is far from final but the yelling and hollering is increasing exponentially. At present, the reduction in state spending will be either 4% or 2% depending on how you add up the budget. If we don't reduce our spending by 2007, we will have a shortfall of over one billion dollars. If we completely eliminate the Permanent Fund Dividend and had an income tax, it still wouldn't close this budget gap. We must learn to provide public service in more efficient ways.

PART-TIME PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Anchorage School District (ASD) is apparently the only district in the state that discriminates against part-time students. It is also the only district in the state that employs lobbyists and attorneys to actively fight HB 158, which would prohibit this discrimination. ASD claims that educating a part-time child may benefit private, secular schools in some way. The state Attorney General's office has stated the acceptance of part-time students raises none of the constitutional issues ASD claims it will effect. Even the State Board of Education has unanimously supported the elimination of discrimination against part-time students through their approval of HB 158.

It is interesting to me that apparently Lorraine Ferrell is the only incumbent school board member, standing for election, who believes in eliminating the discrimination.

TOBACCO TAX

As promised, I will vote against HB 1, the tobacco tax, when it comes before me on the House floor. Currently, there are two other tobacco bills working their way through the committee process. These bills properly attack the problem by catching those who sell tobacco to minors. I suspect these three bills will be considered together. It will be very interesting to see if the tobacco tax lobby will be as enthusiastic about tobacco law enforcement as they are about a new tax.

I would like to hear any thoughts/ideas you have on these issues or any other issue you would like to discuss with me. I can be reached by phone at (800) 342-2199 or (907) 465-2199; by mail at State Capitol Building, Room 428, Juneau, Alaska 99801; or via the Internet at Representative_Fred_Dyson@legis.state.ak.us. You can also send us information via the Public Opinion Message System (POMS) by call the Legislative Information Office at (907) 258-8111 (TTY 258-8173).