Juneau -- Senator Robin Taylor addressed the Senate on the floor with a message for all legislators as they continue to discuss the Subsistence issue. He reminded all legislators of the Oath of Office each one of them swore or affirmed too, prior to being seated. That oath includes "... I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Alaska ..." . Using those words he challenged lawmakers to remember in the face of a federal challenge to the state's constitution that the work presently being done is "some of the most important work you will ever be called upon to do."

The discussion continues in the House on the federal takeover, with no final solution yet proposed. It is an issue that now appears to be more difficult than even previously thought during earlier attempts at a resolution. Federal legislation under ANILCA has been further complicated by the current White House regulations. That combination means several important sections of the Alaska Constitution may have to be amended to surrender state sovereignty to the Federal government.

Taylor, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, is concerned that none of the proposals being discussed will prevent a Federal takeover of fish and wildlife management. " Modifying several sections of our Constitution violates not only state sovereignty, but gives the federal government free reign to control Alaska through a regulation process handed down in Washington, D.C. According to the federal register the current federal subsistence regulations will become effective either October 1, 1999 or December 1, 2000, no matter what the state does or does not do.

The District A Senator concluded, "Regardless of how we vote, the Department of Interior plans to take over. I feel it is important for us as legislators to uphold our oath of office and defend the Constitution of Alaska. The constitutional amendment proposed by the Governor embraces the federal law and allows the federal government to forever dictate the fish and game management of Alaska."

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