Petition booklets ready for oil referendum

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) -- Petition booklets are ready for the group behind an effort to repeal an oil tax overhaul in Alaska.

Division of Elections Director Gail Fenumiai (feh-NEW'-me-eye) said in an email that half the booklets were delivered to the division Monday, with the balance expected Tuesday. She said the referendum committee was expected to pick up the first booklets Tuesday.

According to Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, the group "Vote Yes - Repeal the Giveaway" will have until July 13 to gather at least 30,169 qualified signatures from across the state to get the measure on next year's ballot.

The Legislature this month passed an oil tax cut as a way to boost investment and production. Critics say there are no guarantees Alaskans will see anything in return.