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Session: State Capitol, Room 30 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3873 Fax: (907) 465-3922 Send E-Mail Interim: PO Box 1441 Wrangell, AK 99929-1141 Phone: (907) 874-2318 Fax: (907) 874-3470 352 Front St Ketchikan, AK 99901 Phone: (907) 225-8088 Fax: (907) 225-0713 |
For Immediate Release: April 12, 1999
Contact: Senator Robin Taylor at (907) 465-3873.
Juneau -- "It's apparent that the people of Alaska are discouraged and upset by the Governor's proposals to balance the budget," said Senator Robin Taylor (R-Wrangell) who recently sponsored a survey of Alaska voters.
"Alaskans expect the legislature to reduce the size of government, and strongly oppose any attempt to steal the income of working people, or to raid the Permanent Fund," said Taylor. Senator Taylor released results of a survey conducted by his office in March that was sent to over 5,900 voters in Southeast Alaska and other areas around the state. At this time 496 surveys have been returned and tabulated.
A resounding majority (75%) of respondents' said their first choice for solving the state's budget crisis was CUT THE BUDGET! Second choice was to SELL LAND AND RESOURCES, with (51%) of those voting in favor of those sales. Following these choices, if we were unable to cut the budget, and no other options were available, (7%) were willing to use some Permanent Fund income. After all three of the above options had been exhausted, (6.7%) of those responding were willing to consider an income tax.
A survey done by "Alaska's Superstation" KIMO TV-Channel 13 in Anchorage last week asked the question: "Do you think it is time to start using the Permanent Fund to pay for State Government?" Eighty percent (80%) of the viewers responding said, "NO." Twenty percent (20%) said, "Yes." This survey further validates the preferences indicated by Alaska voters in the survey conducted by his office, said Taylor.
The re-imposition of a state personal income tax, an increase in motor fuel tax, and a raid on the Permanent Fund were strongly rejected by an overwhelming majority as acceptable options for solving the state's budget problems.
Voters were asked their opinion on a variety of other subjects as well. "I believe it's important to hear directly from the people when we are dealing with such sensitive issues," remarked Senator Taylor.