Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Continues Efforts to Craft Subsistence Solution

For Immediate Release May 29, 1998 Contact: Rep. Gail Phillips at (907) 465-2689.

Juneau -- The House Friday continued it's efforts to find an alternative compromise to prevent the Federal Government from assuming control of fish and wildlife management on Federal public lands and navigable waters in Alaska.

Friday's action came after Thursday's vote on the Governor's Task Force Proposal did not secure the 27 votes necessary to adopt a constitutional amendment. A majority of the House (22-17) voted in favor of House Joint Resolution 102, which would amend the Alaska Constitution to permit the Legislature, during times of shortage and consistent with the sustained yield principle, to enact a preference for subsistence use of fish and wildlife resources.

House Speaker Gail Phillips (R-Homer) noted that much effort has gone into finding a solution that will work for all Alaskans. "Our action today had the genuine potential to reach a compromise," Phillips said. "I'm hopeful that tomorrow we will move another step closer to a workable solution," Phillips said.

The effort will continue on Saturday as the Special Session of the Legislature enters its fifth day.

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