Juneau -- Valley Representative Scott Ogan feels he has gotten the attention of top level bureaucrats with a bill to reduce and cap their salaries. HB 74 was heard for the first time in the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 11th. " It is time Governor Knowles tells us how he plans to put his own house in order as he urge us to vote on taxes," said Ogan.

Ogan's bill is aimed specifically at top-level positions that are not protected by collective bargaining agreements. "The Knowles Administration wants us to cut everyone else, tax the public, and suffer while offering no reductions in their world. I don't think it is fair to the rank and file state workers or those in the private sector that the best paid administrators refuse to share the pain."

At the hearing Ogan specifically asked the governor's representative if they were going to oppose any reductions. " They indicated they were not locked into a 'no reduction position', but had no suggestions," said Ogan. The valley representative then made official calls requesting suggestions to the legislation.

Ogan revealed at the hearing the full scale of salaries paid to upper administration persons. The total savings by Ogan's reduction would be in excess of $3 million dollars not including benefits and perks. "This is more than half of what the Governor has proposed to date for cuts," said Ogan.

The bill was held for more hearings. Ogan wants to see what the administration is, and isn't, willing to do.