For Immediate Release: January 18, 1999
Contact: Rep. Gene Therriault at (907) 465-4797.

Juneau -- Representative Gene Therriault (R-Fairbanks), Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee, issued the following statement concerning Monday's release by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, of its wage and benefits survey of Alaska State employees:

"Over the past few years there have been disagreements over how well State employees are paid. Our State employees perform valuable services and they work hard. We want them to be adequately compensated for the work they do. This study indicates that, for the great majority of these employees, that is the case. Now we have solid figures which indicate that their existing wages and benefits are, in fact, generous. Since we are dealing with the public's money, it's important and proper that we ask where we stand. This study provides the answer to that question."

# # #