News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

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

Bill to Form Privatization Task Force Passes Senate

Launches Majority’s Results-Based Budgeting Effort

For Immediate Release: January 29, 1998 Contact: Craig Johnson, Aide to Senator Ward, at 465-4940.

Juneau – As part of their commitment to require efficient and cost effective government programs, the Senate Thursday passed legislation by a vote of 14 to 5 establishing a task force that will review functions and services of state government that can be better delivered through the private sector.

Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage, Kenai) sponsored Senate Bill 209 to provide a method for evaluating which services could be provided more efficiently by the private sector and to highlight those services that are better provided by the government. The task force formed by SB 209 will also look into the State’s contracting procedures to ensure Alaskans are getting the most out of every contracting dollar spent.

"The Republican-led Majority developed its Five-Year Plan two year’s ago to erase the State’s fiscal gap," said Senator Ward. "With low oil prices increasing our deficit, we need more than just continued budget reductions to close the gap. We must account for every dollar and every dollar must count. That’s why we need to be creative in looking for and considering various cost-savings ideas including the privatization and outsourcing of government services."

Under SB 209, the task force will have members from the public, the legislature and the administration. The task force will examine all areas of government and will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the next Legislature.

Pam La Bolle, President of the Alaska State Chamber, said legislation that would consider privatization of some government services is a priority of the State Chamber.

"The privatization task force is an opportunity for the public and private sector to work together to find better ways of doing business," La Bolle said. "The Alaska State Chamber believes it just makes sense that we should be looking for services that could be competitively and efficiently provided by the private sector and generate more tax revenue in the process."

SB 209 mirrors legislation that was passed by both the House and Senate last year but vetoed by the governor.

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