News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Release
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: February 12, 1997 Contact: Senator John Torgerson 907/465-2828

Safe Communities Act Passes Senate

Juneau -- The Alaska State Senate Wednesday passed Senate Bill 29, the Safe Communities Act, by a vote of 17 to 2. The bill restructures an existing funding program for municipalities throughout Alaska, and renames it the "Safe Communities" program.

"SB 29 has been a personal priority as well as a priority of the Alaska Municipal League for over four years" said Senator Torgerson, prime sponsor of the legislation. "It reflects the Republican-led Majority's Commitment to Alaska - to help our municipalities make neighborhoods safe."

The bill requires communities to spend state funds on priorities including police, fire, water and sewer services. Torgerson noted that these programs appear to have fostered the perception that it is a type of "slush fund" for communities. The change in name, and the requirements for use of the money help to dispel that notion, Torgerson said.

"In addition to revising the program title and requiring priority order for use of the funds, the legislation also requires municipalities to post public notice of how the funds are expended," Torgerson said. "I think it is crucial that local government report directly to their citizens - they need to be held accountable."

The legislation sets a goal of a minimum entitlement of $40,000 for each municipality. "All the communities currently involved in the program understand how difficult it is for the very small areas to keep their daily services operating" said Torgerson. "So the larger communities agreed to give something up to help the smaller ones - for the benefit of the entire State."

The bill moves next to the House of Representatives where it will receive review through the committee process.

###

Broadcast Note: Radio actualities are available by calling 800/478-6540.