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Co-Chair: State Capitol, Room 128 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2679 Fax: (907) 465-4822 Send E-Mail |
Co-Chair: State Capitol, Room 108 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3744 Fax: (907) 465-2273 Send E-Mail |
Support the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000
Updated: March 2, 2000
HJR 59 demonstrates the Legislature's support for proper use and management of money used to administer the Pittman-Robertson, and Dingell-Johnson Trust Funds.
The Dingell-Johnson Trust Fund was established in 1950. This fund levies a 10% tax on sport-fishing equipment, motor boat fuel, and some boat imports. The Pittman-Robertson Trust Fund, established in 1938, levies an 11% excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition, and other equipment and a 10% tax on handguns. Both acts mandate that the money generated by these taxes be reapportioned back to the states in the form of grants for programs that "benefit fish and wildlife."
In 1999 Congressman Don Young requested the General Accounting Office to audit the Pittman-Robertson administrative fund. Uncovered was waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. Instances include expensive foreign travel junkets and large bonuses for U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) employees. One career USFWS employee testified before the House Resources Committee that he was pressured to approve hand-outs of Pittman-Robertson money to so-called "animal rights" groups who are actively working to destroy hunting.
Last year, about 15% of Alaskans purchased hunting licenses, and about 30% purchased sport-fishing licenses. This minority deserves the benefits of the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Trust Funds to protect their rights and interests.
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