Juneau -- Governor Jay Hammond returned to Juneau Friday for a Joint Senate Judiciary and State Affairs Committee meeting. Considered by many to be the leading expert on the Permanent Fund Dividend program, the former Governor discussed Senate Joint Resolution 35. This legislation would amend the Constitution of the State of Alaska to guarantee the permanent fund dividend, to provide for inflation proofing, and to require a vote of the people to change the use of fund earnings in the future.

"We invited Governor Hammond to speak with us because he is one of the founding fathers of the Permanent Fund, and his input is very important," said Senator Robin Taylor(R-Wrangell), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Governor Hammond has been very instrumental in this process as the legislature tries to address a fiscal plan, and his opinions are valued by all of us."

The Resolution was introduced by Senator Lyda Green (R-Wasilla), and Co-Sponsored by Senators Taylor, Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai), and Rick Halford (R-Chugiak). SJR 35 would preserve within the Constitution the methods for determining Permanent Fund Dividends and inflation proofing of the fund as they exist today. It would also require a vote of the people to change them in the future.

Taylor stated "At this time many Alaskans think that a vote of the people is required before changes can be made to the dividend program or inflation proofing; only with the passage of this Resolution can the public have that assurance".

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Robin Taylor, 36 K

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