Anchorage -- A measure that will establish a task force to examine the possibilities of turning some state functions over to private industry has become law.

Senate Bill 33, sponsored by Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai), was signed into law Friday, June 11. "This new law represents an important step in finding ways to save the state money and provide better services for Alaskans," said Senator Ward.

"This will be the first all-encompassing look at privatizing governmental services in Alaska," said Ward adding that forty-nine states, including Alaska, have privatized some governmental services. The task force formed under this new law will evaluate which services should be provided by the government and those better delivered by the private sector.

"Our goal is to examine each and every dollar spent on state services mandated by our constitution as well as those dollars that are being spent but are not mandated under our constitution," Ward said. "After these primary government services are reviewed for privatization opportunities, all other government services will be laid on the table for consideration."

The legislation calls for the creation of an 11-member task force to review functions in state government that could be transferred to the private sector. The panel will have members from the public, legislative and executive branches of government. The task force will be required to submit a written report to the governor and the legislature by January 1, 2000.

"The report should establish a road map for reducing the size and cost of state government while supporting the same level of service," Ward said.

The report must specify the following:

1. State functions that should be transferred to the private sector or contracted out;
2. State functions that should be transferred to local governments or regional service organizations;
3. State agencies or functions that should be consolidated or otherwise made more efficient;
4. State functions that should be performed by the federal government;
5. State functions that should be eliminated as functions by state government.

The task force will also review the State's contracting procedures to make sure Alaskans are getting the most out of every contracting dollar spent.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540

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