Alaska 90-Day Legislative Session (2006)
From Ballotpedia
| Alaska Constitution |
|---|
|
| Articles |
| Preamble • I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII • VIII • IX • X • XI • XII • XIII • XIV • XV |
| Ordinances |
| 1 • 2 • 3 |
| Amendments |
Contents |
The 90-Day Legislative Session Initiative or Ballot Measure 1 appeared on the November 7, 2006 ballot in Alaska as an citizen-initiated state statute, where it was approved.
- Yes: 117,675 (50.8%)
- No: 113,832 (49.2%)[1]
Case for support
The 90 day session has been introduced in Alaska 24 times and this time was brought forth by R-Rep. Jay Ramras, D-Sen. Gretchen Guess, and R-Sen. Tom Wagoner again in the 2006 election.[2] Supporters of the 90 day session believe that it will be cost efficient, eliminating per diem costs of the first month which is commonly believed to a waste of time, due to the amount of time taken up by swearing in new members and four-day work weeks.[3] In arguments about the length of time needed to pass bills in the legislature, they often cite that 27 other states have a shorter legislation and that a 90 day session will be seen as an incentive to introduce only necessary legislation and curb excessive laws. It is hoped a 90 day session will create an environment where citizens are encouraged to run for office as it is less time at the capital and more time with their families and communities.
In response that it will allow less time for the public to have input, activist Diane Holmes argues that the location of the capital is enough of a deterrent for much of the public and with the information highway available, it is also easily overcome. Especially with most legislation being passed at the end of a session which required only 24 hour notice to the public.
This initiative was also supported by: Rep. Vic Kohring, Rep. Norm Rokeberg, Rep. Kevin Meyer, and Rep. Lesil McGuire.
Statement in Opposition
Opposition was lead by Sen. Gene Therriault, who was quoted saying that voters were sold a "bill of Opposition of the 90 day session argues that it will result in less public participation. They also believe that the length of the session would result in more interim sessions and higher travel budgets.[4] Its also argued that the first month of the legislature is not wasted, as that is when members are sworn in and become familiar with the committees they will oversee. It is insisted that as a result the legislature will be forced to call more special sessions and that ultimately the rule is unenforceable.[5] If this does not occur, the Opposition has argued that lobbyists and interest groups will have more influence in a 90 day session due to time constraints on bills.
Other senators that opposed the 90 day session were: Former Majority Leader, Mike Miller; Former Chair, Committee on Health, Education, & Social Services Niilo E. Koponen; and Former Speaker of the House Sam Cotten
What's happening now
The first 90 day session will be held in 2007. It is being met with restraint, especially Sen. Gene Therriault who is already predicting that special sessions will have to be held. The Anchorage Daily News has recently published an editorial[6] criticizing the new 90 day session a waste of time and "unenforceable." Other senators, like Senate President Lyda Green, R-Wasilla have expressed frustration that the lead backer, Rep. Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, of the initiative does not have any suggestions for how to be more efficient in the 90 session.[7]
Meanwhile, at least two editorials have appeared in the Ketchikan Daily News and the Peninsula Clarion in support of the 90 day session. Citizens are writing about the high amount of activity in the legislature during Alaska's short, busy summer season. The Ketchikan editorial pointed out that while legislature managed to hold a special session 1,000 miles away from the capital to fund a program for low-income senior citizens in less than a day, they continue to ask for a return to the 121 day session.
Campaign spending
90days.org is a known donor for the measure.[8]
See also
- Alaska 2006 ballot measures
- Alaska 2006 citizen initiatives
- Laws governing the initiative process in Alaska
- Campaign finance requirements for Alaska ballot measures
- Alaska Senate
- Alaska House of Representatives
External links
- Juneau Empire "Extra session taxes public's resources"
- Full Text of Initiative
References
- ↑ Alaska 2006 election results
- ↑ Official Case of Support
- ↑
http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/files/DianneHolmesEditorial.pdf 
- ↑ Official Statement of Opposition
- ↑ Anchorage Daily News Editorial-May 29, 2007
- ↑ Anchorage Daily News Editorial-May 29, 2007
- ↑ 90-day session advocates short on ideas:Lawmakers struggle to figure out how to meet new limits,Juneau Empire Forgey, Pat; 27-2-2007
- ↑ Follow The Money, "Donors"
