Juneau -- Representative John Harris, R-Valdez, today introduced House Joint Resolution 12 asking the federal government to back off from its announced intention to take some of the billions of dollars Alaska and other states will receive from a huge settlement with tobacco companies.

"The State of Alaska and the 45 other states that sued the tobacco companies are entitled to that money," Harris said. "The suit was brought by the states for violations of their state laws. The federal government was not involved in the lawsuits or the settlement negotiations and should not have any claim on the money."

Harris's resolution calls on the Congress to enact legislation to prohibit federal claims on the settlement money. It also asks the President to sign the legislation, which has been introduced in Congress. Senator Frank Murkowski is a co-sponsor of the Senate version, S.346.

The federal government is attempting to recoup a portion of federal funds given to the states over the years for Medicaid. Estimates of this recoupment range from $16 billion to as much as two-thirds of the $246 billion settlement, which will be paid out to the 46 states over a period of 25 years. The State of Alaska is scheduled to receive $669 million for its part of the settlement, of which the federal government could claim $400 million. The new federal budget proposal released by President Clinton this week includes tobacco settlement funds as a revenue source.

HJR 12 was given a Finance committee referral.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= John Harris, 109 K

| Top | Representative Harris' Home Page |