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ALASKA VOTERS ORGANIZATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS ISSUE RESOLUTION OPPOSING HB 106, THE PROPOSED CHANGE TO LOBBYIST STATUTES
Alaska Voters Organization
ALASKA VOTERS ORGANIZATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Issue Contact: James Price
Alaska Voters Organization Board of Directors issue resolution opposing HB 106, the proposed change to lobbyist statutes
Kenai, Alaska
The Alaska Voters Organization Board of Directors have issued a formal resolution in opposition to HB 106. This resolution has been submitted as written testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, with copies sent to all State Legislators, the Governor and media statewide. A copy of the resolution is attached below.
"HB 106 will permit most lobbyists to participate in the direct management and fundraising activities of political campaigns, fostering an inappropriate relationship between lobbyists and political candidates for state office. HB 106 transfers more power and influence to special interests, while diminishing the influence of the private citizens of Alaska," according to James Price, issue spokesman.
"The public has a right to know the facts about all funds being paid to influence the Alaska State Legislature. This bill promotes bad public policy and will further erode the public’s trust in the legislative process," said Price.
A dedicated web page <> has been established with complete details and background information concerning HB 106. This page will permanently record all actions taken, and provide an easy to use source for the public to access current information. There is also a list of email addresses, and phone numbers for all legislators hearing this bill. The web page can be accessed from the "Hot Button Issues" section of the Alaska Voters Organization home page <>. "We recommend everyone take a few minutes to become familiar with this important issue, then contact the legislature and media with an opinion." Price said.
The Alaska Voters Organization is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational foundation formed in 2001. The stated mission of this 501 (c) (3) public benefit corporation is to educate Alaskans regarding legislative issues such as excessive state spending, and legislation which restricts the rights of Alaskan citizens.
According to Alaska Voters President, Mike McBride, "Our organization believes an informed voter is the best defense against bad government. Through our website, we provide current information about legislation going through the committee process. We also provide statistics, voting records, and special tools to help people communicate with their legislators. Our goal is to empower every Alaskan citizen with the knowledge to lobby the Legislature, thus tipping the balance of influence over to the side of citizens and away from paid special interest lobbyists."
A RESOLUTION TO THE 23rd ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
WHEREAS, Alaska has had a law regulating lobbyists for 25 years, and HB 106 will render that law ineffective; and
WHEREAS, only individuals receiving compensation for their lobbying efforts are restricted or regulated in any way; and
WHEREAS, HB 106 will permit most lobbyists to participate in the direct management and fundraising activities of political campaigns, fostering an inappropriate relationship between lobbyists and political candidates for state office; and
WHEREAS, HB 106 transfers more power and influence to special interests, while diminishing the influence of the private citizens of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, HB 106 clearly benefits both lobbyists and legislators at the expense of Alaskan citizens; and
WHEREAS, state law should not be relaxed to make it easier for lobbyist to influence our legislators; and
WHEREAS, the public has a right to know the truth about all the funds paid to influence the Alaskan Legislature; and
WHEREAS, this bill promotes bad public policy that will further erode the public’s trust in the legislative process;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
Alaska Voters
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