Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1998-01-14 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1998-01-14 Senate Journal Page 2191 SJR 31 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska authorizing a priority for subsistence uses of renewable natural resources that is based on place of residence; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Resources, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from Office of the Governor. Governors transmittal letter dated January 14: Dear President Miller: This joint resolution calling for a vote on a state constitutional amendment is the key element in a plan that offers a solution to Alaska's longstanding subsistence dilemma. Taken in conjunction with a companion bill I also present today on behalf of Alaskans and the subsistence task force, and with amendments to the Alaska National 1998-01-14 Senate Journal Page 2192 SJR 31 Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) passed by Congress in 1997, this measure will enable the state to regain and retain complete management of fish and wildlife on all land and water in Alaska. This comprehensive solution to the subsistence question is the result of the outstanding work of a bipartisan task force made up of public and private members I convened last summer. These Alaska leaders joined me in developing an approach which not only enables the state to regain subsistence management of fish and wildlife, but also recognizes the paramount importance of the subsistence lifestyle to Alaskans. The task force members included Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer, Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Gail Phillips, former Governor Jay Hammond, former Attorney General Charlie Cole and Byron Mallott, Executive Director of the Permanent Fund Corporation and myself. Working together, we agreed the best approach was to adhere to the original intent of ANILCA, not to expand or diminish its fundamental provisions, and to recommend only those changes in current federal and state law absolutely necessary to affect the original purposes. The attached joint resolution allows the people of the state to vote to amend the Alaska Constitution. Under this constitutional amendment, the Legislature could establish a priority for subsistence uses of fish and game based on a person's place of residence. The task force designed its three-part package--the constitutional amendment, state statutory changes, and amendments to ANILCA--to be interdependent. Neither the statutory changes presented in the companion bill, nor the already-approved amendments to ANILCA, will take effect unless the voters adopt this constitutional amendment. Giving Alaskans an opportunity to make their contribution to solving the dilemma by voting on the amendment is critical. I urge the Legislature to demonstrate its faith in Alaskans by considering and passing this resolution. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor