Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2002-02-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2002-02-19 Senate Journal Page 2224 SJR 36 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 36 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to providing for priorities for and among subsistence uses in the allocation of fish, wildlife, and other renewable resources. was read the first time and referred to the Resources, Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2002-02-19 Senate Journal Page 2225 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated February 14: Dear President Halford: Today I am introducing an innovative approach to resolving an issue that has haunted Alaskans for more than a decade -- the permanent protection of subsistence. Probably more than any single issue, our failure to resolve subsistence has contributed to the growing divide between urban and rural Alaskans. This approach protects the importance of subsistence for rural Alaskans first, and then recognizes the needs of those urban residents who have a customary and traditional use of fish and game resources. It is a fresh and widely supported starting point for achieving a permanent resolution to subsistence. This proposal is built on the hard work of many Alaskans. Last August, I convened 42 prominent Alaskans from all walks of life -- business, civic, religious, Native -- in the Subsistence Leadership Summit. By demonstrating an overwhelming sense of unity and a new level of understanding, respect, and agreement, they re-ignited the hope of bringing Alaskans together. The Summit made a major contribution to helping find a solution to the long-standing subsistence dilemma. To build on the work of that summit, I then asked 11 Alaskans -- most of them members of the Summit -- to craft a potential subsistence amendment to the Alaska Constitution. That group succeeded in writing the constitutional amendment that I am offering today in this resolution. It will protect the lifeblood that subsistence is to the cultural, spiritual, economic and physical well being of rural Alaskans. I am asking that we place this constitutional amendment before the public for a vote, allowing Alaskans to take a major step toward bridging the divide that has separated our urban and rural residents. 2002-02-19 Senate Journal Page 2226 We have debated and struggled with the subsistence issue for far too many years. We must finally act to protect the subsistence way of life and regain state management of all fish and wildlife uses throughout Alaska. Alaskans have the right to vote on this constitutional amendment, and the need for the chance to do so. I encourage your prompt action on this resolution. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor