(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - The members of the Alaska House Majority Coalition responded to news that Alaska Governor Bill Walker will call the 30th Alaska State Legislature into a 4th Special Session in late October. The special session will be focused on a not yet disclosed revenue measure, or measures, to fill the projected $2.7 billion budget gap brought on by the continued low price of oil, which has pushed Alaska into a fiscal crisis and lingering recession. 

“The facts are that low oil prices are likely for the foreseeable future and we currently have less than one year’s worth of savings to fund essential state services like public education and public safety. That means it is time for all of us to put aside politics and come together to find a sustainable fiscal solution for Alaska,” said Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham). “The members of the Alaska House Majority Coalition are prepared to go back to work to finish what we started earlier this year when we passed a full fiscal plan that included new revenue to fill the budget gap. I am concerned that if action is not taken this fall the politics that inevitably spring up during an election year will get in the way of real and comprehensive fiscal solutions next year.”

Senate Democratic Leader Berta Gardner said in a prepared statement, "We applaud Governor Walker for calling the legislature back to session, insisting that we address revenue measures. We join him in refusing to accept procrastination as Alaska's credit rating falls and unemployment rises.  We urge our colleagues to help craft a fair and sustainable fiscal plan."  

Gardner said, "We were sent to Juneau to do the hard work, and make the difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions that are best for the state and its people. It's a call many of us take seriously. There is no reason we should wait until all our savings are gone before we act. I hope that legislators from both bodies, and all points on the political spectrum will come together and get this done now, before the state goes into full financial meltdown."

It’s anticipated that the 4th Special Session of the 30th Alaska State Legislature will be called to begin on Monday, October 23rd in Juneau. However, the details will be set in the official proclamation from the Governor that is forthcoming.     

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska House Majority Coalition
akhouse.org

Alaska Senate Democratic Caucus
www.alaskasenatedems.com

 

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