2019-01-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 0146
SJR 4                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY THE SENATE RULES                                                                               
COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR,                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the                                                                       
          State of Alaska prohibiting the establishment of, or                                                                  
          increase to, a state tax without the approval of the                                                                  
          voters of the state; and relating to the initiative                                                                   
          process.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2019-01-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 0147
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 29:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Giessel:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a resolution to amend the Constitution                                                          
of the State of Alaska, Article IX, Section 1. The proposed amendment                                                           
would provide that any law to establish or increase a State tax – any                                                           
tax – will not take effect without an affirmative vote of the people.                                                           
Additionally, the proposed amendment would require any initiative                                                               
passed by the voters that would establish or increase a state tax would                                                         
not take effect unless approved by the legislature.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
I propose this measure as the most effective means to require State                                                             
government to involve all Alaskans in the decision to levy or increase                                                          
taxes to pay for State services. My proposal retains taxing power with                                                          
the legislature but ensures that the legislature must listen to the voice                                                       
of the people, which is exercised through the ballot box. This                                                                  
amendment would be placed before the voters during the next state                                                               
general election.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Our State cannot achieve a permanent fiscal plan if Alaskans are not                                                            
directly involved in the decisions about the types and levels of State                                                          
services they desire and are willing to support. With this resolution,                                                          
we can establish an effective way to implement the will of the people                                                           
and move the State forward in a transparent and positive manner. All                                                            
government officials work for the people of the State of Alaska.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Michael J. Dunleavy                                                                                                             
Governor