Today, Feb 12, 11-11:30 a.m., the Senate Minority Caucus (also known as the Senate Republican Caucus) held its first press conference of the session. The Senators began with brief introductions, talked about their current individual focuses, and then answered media questions related to the State budget and the governor’s fiscal plan.
The Senate Republican Caucus has six members: Mike Cronk (District R- Tok/ Northway), Cathy Tilton (District M- Wasila), George Rauscher (District O- Sutton), Robb Myers (District Q- North Pole), James Kaufman (District F- Anchorage), and Rob Yundt (District N- Wasilla). Senator Yundt did not attend the meeting.
Introductions
Former Speaker of the House, now Senator Cathy Tilton celebrated the unanimous passing of Senate Resolution 4, which encourages commemorative activities for America’s 250th anniversary and enhanced civic instruction in schools. She then highlighted her office’s current focuses: legislation related to the titling of vehicles and legislation related to elder fraud. According to Sen. Tilton, elder fraud is higher in Alaska than anywhere in the nation, and the State needs to enact better protections for its senior citizens.
Former State Representative, now Senator George Rauscher stated, “My interests are resources and transportation, and I will be looking to advance those while in the Senate.”
Then, Senator Robb Myers talked about the Alaska LNG project. He stated, “Among the six of us in this caucus, you will find different levels of enthusiasm on the project,” but he emphasized that the entire caucus is unified in wanting to see the project advance. “We don’t want the Legislature to be the reason the project is stalled.” According to Sen. Myers, the biggest thing the State is waiting on is the signing of firm export agreements.
Senator James Kaufman introduced himself as the “informal quality manager.” He emphasized his support of an enforceable spending cap and seconded Sen. Myers’ comments on the Alaska LNG project.
Senators Answer Questions about State Budget and Fiscal Plan
Media questions focused on the budget and the governor’s proposed fiscal plan.
Sen Kaufman reiterated his support for a constitutional spending cap. “We should put limitation on the government in the Constitution.” He indicated opposition to constitutionalizing government spending such as the Permanent Fund Dividend and defined benefits.
Sen. Myers said that the ultimate problem Alaska needs to fix is our economic volatility. Sen. Kaufman echoed this point, stating, “Alaska needs to be a high-reliability partner.” Businesses that do the work to move up here need to have assurances that things will not change on a dime. He also pointed out the need to provide an execution plan along with a fiscal plan.
When asked about the supplemental in the governor’s budget, Senators Myers, Cronk, and Kaufman stated support for a narrow, highly focused supplemental. Sen. Myers said the Senate is waiting for the House to finish its conversations before the Senate digs into it.
The caucus was asked about its thoughts on funding for education, especially capital funding. Sen. Kaufman responded, “There is no revenue ranger that’s coming to the rescue.” Sen. Kaufman was asked if the State of Alaska is a reliable partner for education in the State. “We need to work towards that,” Sen. Kaufman answered and then transitioned to talking about needed improvements for government agencies and operations. “We need to improve delivery of governance in Alaska.”
Sen. Myers also commented on the education funding question, stating, “When there is partnership, there is two sides to it.” He said that there are things the State can do to help school districts stretch their dollars, but districts also have to work at it. The Legislature cannot just give districts whatever they ask for.
Closing Remarks
Bringing the meeting to a close, Sen. Myers emphasized that we are “sitting at a precipice, a knife-edge” in regards to the Alaska LNG project and the State budget.
Senator Mike Cronk ended the meeting with this statement: “We pride ourselves in accountability. We always lead with integrity. It is one of our baselines, and we will show that each and every day.”
