JUNEAU DAILY NEWS MINUTE
Wednesday, January 29, 1997 (c) Alaska Juneau Communications
Juneau Newsminute
01-29-97 1300
*Getting tough on repeat juvenile offenders and making the
knowing transmission of HIV a crime are just two parts of a
sweeping crime package that the Republican-led Majority unveiled
yesterday. Also included in the package is legislation that
would limit prisoner rights to restrict television and computer
access in state prisons, and that would guarantee victim's
rights. Governor Knowles also released legislation yesterday
that implements the Rights of Crime Victims amendment to the
State Constitution. The bill would ensure that victims are not
forgotten and that their rights are protected.
*Representative Kim Elton thinks that the House will pass
legislation to increase the tobacco tax this time around. Two
bills went before the House State Affairs Committee yesterday,
and were strongly favored by the 20 people who attended the
hearing. A total of four bills to increase the tax by one dollar
have been introduced so far, and Senator Johnny Ellis introduced
legislation to increase the bill by a dollar-twenty-five.
*House Speaker Gail Phillips says she'd like to see the tobacco
tax increased, especially if the money would go to the education
fund. North Pole Representative Jeannette James has introduced a
bill that would dedicate the tax revenues to the fund. Phillips
also says that if Legislature Move legislation comes up this
session, she probably would not vote for it. Phillips warns
residents of the Capital City that such legislation most likely
won't go away until a road connecting us to the rest of the state
is built.
*Juneau Douglas High School students who submitted an application
for the construction of a skateboard, in-line skating, and BMX
bicycle park in the Valley won a minor victory last night. The
Planning Commission approved the application for the facility
that has been proposed for Bus Barn Park. The next hurdle for
the students is putting together a funding package.
*About 130 people learned about light rail transportation
projects around the world from Roger Millar, project manager for
a light rail system to be built in Aspen, Colorado. Millar was
brought to town for the one time meeting by Bill Leighty, who
thinks such a system could solve many of Juneau's transportation
problems. He hopes the meeting and discussion planted the seeds
in attendees to pursue the idea.
*Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Gail Phillips
will talk about making government more efficient at the Alaska
Business Roundtable tomorrow morning at 7, in the Gold Room of
the Baranof. The forum is sponsored by the Alaska State Chamber
of Commerce, and the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Resource
Alliance.