1997-01-13                     House Journal                      Page 0048
HB 61                                                                        
Its clear we need to act quickly to reduce the number of Alaska                
youngsters making the tragic decision to start smoking or chewing.             
One proven and very effective way to discourage such behavior is               
significantly increasing the cost of tobacco.  The attached bill will raise    
the tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack.                                          
                                                                               
Ive often said I hope this new tax wont raise a dime--that would               
mean current smokers were changing their minds and young people                
werent starting at all.  But even with reduced demand, this bill will          
generate more money for the state treasury--an estimated $40 million           
for Fiscal Year 1998.  I am proposing these new revenues be                    
legislatively designated for education and childrens health programs.          
                                                                               
I urge your support of this important legislation.                             
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor                                                                
                                                                               
HB 62                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 62 by Representative Kelly, entitled:                           
                                                                               
An Act relating to child care provided by recipients of assistance            
under the Alaska temporary assistance program; and providing for               
an effective date.                                                             
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social         
Services and Finance Committees.                                               
                                                                               
HB 63                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 63 by Representative Therriault, entitled:                      
                                                                               
An Act extending the motor fuel tax exemption for fuel sold for               
use in jet propulsion aircraft to fuel used in those aircraft for              
flights that continue from a foreign country; and providing for an             
effective date.                                                                
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance         
Committees.