Alaska State Legislature
News From The Senate and House Majorities

Jerry Ritter, (907) 465-3804
Wendy Lindskoog, (907) 465-4582
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org

Miller and Phillips Welcome Back 20th Legislature

Republican-led Majority Continues "A Commitment That’s Working For Alaska"

For Immediate Release: January 10, 1998 Contact: Jerry Ritter at (907) 465-3804 or Wendy Lindskoog at (907) 465-4582

Juneau – The Second Session of the 20th Alaska Legislature opened Monday, January 12, 1998 with members of the Senate and House Majority pledging their continued commitment to safe and healthy children, excellence in education and a budget that requires state government to live within its means.

"We began the 19th and 20th Alaska Legislatures with a ‘Commitment to Alaska’ to deliver a smaller, smarter government," House Speaker Gail Phillips said. "Today we remain committed to closing the State’s fiscal gap so our children inherit a balanced, stable government."

"We face many big issues this session including the bleak reality of falling oil prices," said Senate President Mike Miller. "Now more than ever there is a compelling need to follow our Five-Year Plan to close the fiscal gap. Since implementing the plan, we have reduced State spending by $130 million and will reduce it an additional $50 million this year."

Miller and Phillips said they may not always agree with the governor on process, but said that both the legislature and administration agree that this session’s top priority should be Alaska’s children.

"Part of our commitment this year is to take a hard look at child safety issues. We intend to find out what the problems at the Department of Family and Youth Services (DFYS) are direct the governor to fix those problems, and give him additional tools to develop programs that really work," Phillips said.

"Last session we passed an education reform package establishing measurable standards for both teachers and students," Miller said. "We will build on those accomplishments by introducing greater parental control, choice and involvement into the system and giving Alaska’s children an equal opportunity to learn and succeed."

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