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                                                                        January 20, 2006

Greetings from Juneau,

            Two weeks of this legislative session have passed with an unusually high degree of activity.  Here are some of the highlights and hot topics.

• Governor announces plan to revamp oil taxes 

While we haven't seen the critical details, such as the actual tax rates and whether the oil tax is linked to the gas line contract - I view the Governor's announcement as a positive development.

Alaska oil is fuelling record profits for the oil industry.  The state must get a more equitable share.

• Budget Surplus

The budget surplus will provoke much wrangling this session.  Though the Governor plans to spend all of it, I am convinced that we should save at least half of this $1.2 billion windfall.  We simply don't know how long these record high prices will last.

• Education Funding

One place to invest some of the surplus is in reducing class sizes, especially in K-4^th grades.  Our educational system is where we convert our natural resource wealth into a talent pool of human capital. 

• Steroids Bill Passes the Senate

A bill I sponsored which would make anabolic steroids illegal under state law passed the Senate yesterday.  Alaska is one of the only states that does not regulate the possession or sale of these harmful substances.

            As always, please continue to send me your thoughts and concerns.  My toll free number here in Juneau is 1-866-465-3892 and my e-mail address is senator_hollis_french@legis.state.ak.us