 October 28, 2003
According to a news release, Murkowski welcomed the new assignment, noting that "many states are facing similar, difficult fiscal circumstances, and we must work cooperatively to advance the management and operations of state governments." The Governor will serve as President, while Minnesota State Senator John Hottinger will serve as CSG Chairman. Speaking to the CSG annual meeting in Pittsburgh, Murkowski outlined his agenda for 2004 as one highlighting the need for states to live within their means. "Alaska has been on the cutting edge of managing government programs," he said. "For example, the Alaska Legislature has implemented a budgetary program based on defining and adhering to missions and measures. My administration has taken it a step further by investing in performance-based budgeting. This method evaluates services and funding based on results to the citizen." Murkowski will also include energy as a major piece of his agenda for CSG. "State governments must engage in our national energy dilemma," he said. "CSG should educate state leaders on new energy, domestic resources, and sound development." While in Pittsburgh, Murkowski had the opportunity to meet with Great Britain's Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and with Governor Kwang-Chun Fan of Taiwan. He also attended a hockey game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils, and watched former Anchorage high school hockey star Scott Gomez play. Murkowski also met with several governors during the CSG meeting, including Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, and Vermont Gov. James Douglas. Murkowski will preside over
the 2004 CSG annual meeting in Anchorage, September 25-29, 2004.
"Alaskans will have the opportunity to showcase our great
state next fall, and educate other state leaders on how Alaska
can benefit their needs," he said.
Source of News Release:
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