PRESS RELEASE: OIL TAXES AND GAS PIPELINE ISSUES

I'd rather get the input of one constituent than fifty of the governor's people or the oil company lobbyists. Therefore, I mailed a survey to Republicans,Democrats, and "independents" in District 31. The following is my Press Release about the survey results"

PRESS RELEASE

(ANCHORAGE) – South Anchorage Representative Bob Lynn is releasing the results of a seven question House District 31 survey on currently proposed changes to the oil tax, and the governor’s proposed gas pipeline contract. The survey was mailed to 6,985 (Republican, Democrat, Independent) constituents who voted in the 2004 primary election. Two hundred and fifty five (3.65%) responded to the unscientific survey, as of July 16.

Representative Lynn stated, “I wasn’t elected to represent the administration or the oil producers – unless they live in District 31. The survey is important because it expands the input from my constituents. The better the communication, the better the representation.”

He added, “Oil tax and gas pipeline issues are still evolving. Survey results alone won’t determine my vote on critical issues, but I think the survey provides helpful guidance for whatever compromises may be necessary.”

Question 1: What tax should be placed on net oil profits?

Less than 20%: 11.37% ; 20.0% (governor’s proposal):18.96% 22.5% (House proposal): 26.07% ; 25%: 21.80%; More than 25%: 21.80%

Question 2: Should “progressivity” be applied to the oil tax?

Yes: 75.8 % No: 24.2 %

Question 3: Should there be a “floor” on any oil tax?

Yes: 74.56% No: 25.44%

Question 4: Should the oil and gas taxes be locked in for 30 and 45 years?

Yes: 25.86% No: 74.14%

Question 5: Should any decisions on oil taxes and the gas pipeline be delayed until we know who the next governor is?

Yes: 42.86% No: 57.14%

Question 6: Do you agree with the governor and the oil producers that the “All Alaska” gas pipeline is not economically feasible?

Yes: 55.78% No: 44.22%

Question 7: Should the legislature make necessary and prudent compromises on the oil taxes proposals and gas pipeline contract and move forward now?

Yes: 50.46% No: 49.54%

Note: In addition to the survey questions, space was provided for individual comments. A very large number of comments came back with the surveys and are in the process of being recorded. Many of the comments were very strongly worded.