Representative Eric Croft |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · February 6, 2006 |
JUNEAU - In an effort to restore an important voice for rural Alaska in the cabinet, Rep. Eric Croft (D-Anchorage) introduced HB 429 in the House Friday.
The bill splits the department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development into separate departments of Commerce & Economic Development and Community & Regional Affairs.
HB 429 would reverse the 1999 merger authorized by HB 40. Proponents at the time believed the merger would save administrative costs and a handful of commissioner's office staff, without eliminating programs or services. Opponents believed it would eliminate a commissioner that largely served rural Alaskan needs, and would marginalize rural programs. In the words of then-Senator Georgiana Lincoln, "There's a perception that this is one more nail in the coffin for rural Alaska."
History has not borne out the promised benefits.
"I believe the original purpose of DCRA has been undermined," Croft said. "The mission of protecting and advancing rural Alaska is lost in the combined department. The needs of Alaska's communities are too important and deserve a spokesman of their own in the cabinet," Croft added. "This is an important first step toward restoring municipal revenue sharing and ensuring affordable energy throughout the state."
The bill has been assigned to the Community & Regional Affairs committee where Croft hopes to have it heard as soon as possible. For additional information please call Rep. Croft's office at 465-4998.
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