Murkowski Will Call Special Session in June
 Calling Special Session, 30.8k mp3  More Audio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2004 No. 04-137

Murkowski Will Call Special Session in June

(Juneau) - Governor Frank H. Murkowski announced today that he will issue a call for a special session of the Legislature, to take place in the latter part of June. The fiscal shortfall, tobacco tax, and workers' compensation are the three main issues left unfinished when the Legislature adjourned its regular session on May 11. The subject matter for the special session will include consideration of the endowment plan for management of the Permanent Fund.

"I have spoken with a majority of the presiding officers and the minority leaders in both the House and Senate," Murkowski said. "I remain convinced that Alaskans expect us to resolve the state's long-term fiscal problems this year. Therefore, I will issue a proclamation after the Memorial Day holiday calling legislators back to Juneau.

"We are still assessing at this time which issues should be included in the call. The tobacco tax and workers' compensation reforms will likely be included, and we may consider a bond package aimed at fixing the Lake Otis and Tudor intersection in Anchorage, and other important projects.

"I encourage the Legislature to recognize that these are important unfinished matters. There is no Democratic or Republican solution - only a bipartisan, Alaskan solution," he said.

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	Calling Special Session (30.8k mp3) - Governor Murkowski announces the news that he will call the Legislature into special session in June. :08 “ … part of June.”
	Unfinished Business (135.8k mp3) - Governor Murkowski lists the unfinished business he believes legislators must still address this year, including tobacco taxes, workers compensation insurance and the state fiscal gap. :33 “ … price of oil”
	Why Not Legislators’ Call? (144.9k mp3) - Governor Murkowski says that while he respects legislators’ right to call themselves into special session, he reserved his right to issue the call himself. :36 “ … should come back.”
	Timing of Special Session (177.3k mp3) - Governor Murkowski explains that it is time to initiate a special session, and outlines the issues to be covered. :44 “ … part of June.”
	Resolution (177.6k mp3) - The governor says that a special session must address the state’s general problem of spending more than it takes in, and that there are more than one possible solution. :44 “ …
	Bipartisan Solution Needed (114.9k mp3) - The governor calls on legislators to put political differences aside to achieve a bipartisan solution to the state’s fiscal challenges. :28 “ … an Alaskan solution.”
	Bonding Concerns Prompt Session (106.3k mp3) - The governor explains his special session decision was prompted in part by concerns that the lack of a fiscal solution would increase the state’s costs for bonds, such as would be needed to fund proposed modification to the Lake Otis and Tudor intersection. 24: “ … our bond rating.”