Looking out for business ... a report from the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce--The Voice of Alaska Business.

During the first session of the 24th Legislature the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, the "Voice of Alaska Business," will actively lobby for positive legislation on issues important to business. Following is a summary of issues our statewide membership identified as the highest priorities for action in the legislative session of 2005.

State Fiscal Plan

We urge the Legislature to adopt a comprehensive fiscal plan and treat this budget cycle as if there is still a fiscal crisis by exercising budget discipline and saving more than spending when making decisions relative to the anticipated budget surplus.

We support a fiscal plan that follows these principles:

* Reduce government size and spending;

* Rescind unnecessary laws that add unnecessary costs and burdens;

* Appropriate a portion of the Permanent Fund's earnings to support state services, and for investing in infrastructure necessary to generate economic activity;

* Establish in statute the percent-of-market (POMV) management tool for the Alaska Permanent Fund; and

* Forge a plan for implementation of a program to privatize state services that could be competitively provided by the private sector.

As a last resort after fully addressing the above provisions, we support implementation of a broad-based, statewide tax.

Superior Education System

We recognize a compelling need for Alaska Schools to provide "excellence in education" so each student is being enabled to make a successful career choice. Therefore, ASCC urges the Administration and legislature to support a responsible increase of funding for K-12 public education, vocational education and the University of Alaska.

As the marketplace and job opportunities become even more technical, providing a strong educational foundation for Alaska's students is essential. Strong vocational programs must be in place to provide the training necessary to prepare students to successfully enter Alaska's workforce. In order to make informed choices, career counseling should be recognized as a critical component in the education process.

Our education system must be integrated with the economy of Alaska. Educators, students, employers and public policy makers must work towards a common purpose to benefit all Alaskans.

Build Alaska Gas Pipeline

We support development of an Alaska Gas Pipeline along the Southern route...