Juneau -- Saving the State money and providing a higher quality of services are two goals addressed in Senate Bill 33 introduced by Republican Senator Jerry Ward.

Ward, who represents parts of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, said the bill sets the stage for privatizing some state government services.

"Privatization will allow the State to look at options for the future that will make government work better, smarter and faster," said Ward.

SB 33 calls for the creation of a task force to review functions in state government that could be transferred to the private sector.

"The public's interest is foremost," said Ward. "With the price of oil at such a low level, and with the budget deficits facing Alaska, privatization would force State government to examine various types of cost-saving ideas. This will help deter the need for new taxes while making state government more efficient."

SB 33 would require a task force to submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing areas where private businesses could provide services more efficiently than the State. That report would be due by January 1, 2001.

SB 33 will be heard by the Senate State Affairs Committee Thursday, January 28th.

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