2010-01-19                     House Journal                      Page 1285
HB 290                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 290 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act suspending the motor fuel tax; and providing for an                                                                
     effective date."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance                                                          
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2010, follows:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Chenault:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Art. III, Sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I                                                         
am transmitting a bill that provides for a two-year suspension of the                                                           
State's motor fuel tax.                                                                                                         

2010-01-19                     House Journal                      Page 1286
Alaskans continue to face some of the highest food, fuel, and living                                                            
costs in the nation. These costs are placing a very difficult burden on                                                         
many Alaskans. In order to help every Alaskan family I am proposing                                                             
that the State motor fuel tax be suspended for a period of two years.                                                           
The actual amount of money saved by suspending the fuel tax would                                                               
vary depending on the type of fuel being purchased; however, most                                                               
consumers should save eight cents per gallon when filling up their                                                              
vehicles.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
It is important to note that while the motor fuel tax suspension                                                                
program would provide temporary assistance, we still need to work                                                               
together to seek long term solutions to the energy cost issues facing us.                                                       
My administration's goals to make greater in-state use of our own oil,                                                          
gas, and coal, increase our renewables, support greater conservation                                                            
efforts, and continue to provide help for Alaskans who need it, will                                                            
help reduce energy costs in the long term.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
It is the needs of Alaska's families, communities, and businesses that                                                          
justify the proposal contained in this legislation. I believe that we                                                           
should lighten the burden placed on residents by our higher gasoline                                                            
costs, whenever we can.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                Sincerely,                                                                                     
                                /s/                                                                                             
                               Sean Parnell                                                                                    
                                 Governor"