Anchorage -- This January, the Alaska State Legislature will return to Juneau to address the challenges that face Alaska in 2001. The Legislature will have a new look as we return with 13 new faces, including 11 new members of the House of Representatives. The change will ensure a fresh mix of leadership as we look to answer the call that a new year will bring in Alaska.

Personally, I will have a few areas of focus when we begin the new session. I have already filed a bill that would increase the efficiency of the Legislature and save the state money by reducing the length of the legislative session. This constitutional amendment, a replica of HJR 40 from the previous session, would decrease the allotted amount of time the legislature can meet to 90 days from the current 121 days. The change would allow legislative committees to meet during the interim to have hearings in various local communities around the state and to better gauge the pulse of the constituents we are elected to represent. The Legislative session would begin in March, in time for the revenue and budget numbers, and remain in session until the current ending in May. In addition to a saving of $2 Million in staff and travel expenses, the change would increase the efficient operation of the Legislature while in Juneau. More importantly, it would provide a vehicle for the people of Sand Lake and other communities that are geographically distant from our state's capital to take part in the legislative process. In a time of fiscal constraint in state government, the Legislature should lead be example and draw upon internal efficiencies while decreasing cost to the people of Alaska.

Although oil prices remain at historically high levels, we much keep focus on creating a long-range fiscal plan for Alaska. The increasing volatility of crude oil and the declining production in Prudhoe Bay demands that we take measure of the future economic stability of our state. To only focus our attention on the problem when our budgets fail to balance is both imprudent and irresponsible. Now, while the resource markets are allowing us some breathing room, we must continue the challenge of stabilizing Alaska's fiscal future. The Legislature must do what it can to guarantee a stable economic future so we can continue to attract the viable business community we have enjoyed in the past. Hopefully, we can ensure the future of a prosperous economy for Alaska with a frugal, efficient government that is responsive to the citizens of Alaska.

Later this month the House Transportation Committee, in conjunction with the House Judiciary Committee, will again address the challenge of stemming the problem of drunken driving in our state. The committee met earlier this fall to begin a dialogue between community, local, and state governments to combat this growing problem. On Tuesday, November 28th the committee will meet to review the Final Report of the mayor's DUI Prevention Task Force and discuss the solutions that fall under the purview of state government and how all the various government entities can work in unison to stop this very serious problem. Many good ideas have arisen, including work by Sand Lake Representative Norman Rokeberg that aims to deter the inebriated driver and more effectively deal with offenders. The meeting will take place at 1:00pm on Tuesday, November 28th, 2000 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room of the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 716 W 4th Ave. Feel Free to contact my office if you have any questions. Please come and share your views on this problem and discuss how government can better deal with this serious issue. Local and state governments must work together to combat the tragedy of innocent citizens being victimized by drinking and driving.

As always, feel free to contact me regarding any matter. I am always happy to hear from you and encourage you to share you thoughts. My office number here in Anchorage through the end of the year is #269-0244. Come January and the move to Juneau, I can be reached at #800-465-4939 or by email at Representative_Andrew_Halcro@legis.state.ak.us. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions about the Legislature or if you have any issues that you want to discuss.

[Andrew Halcro is a member of the House of Representatives of the Alaska State Legislature representing Sand Lake and the Dimond High areas.]

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for HJR 40

| Top | Representative Halcro's Home Page |