CONTACT: Julia O'Malley 907-465-3842

JUNEAU-- Democratic Leaders Sen. Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and Rep. Ethan Berkowitz (D-Anchorage) said today that in the twenty-second session they plan to work cooperatively to solve challenges facing Alaskans.

"This year our top priorities will be better schools and better jobs. Alaska needs top-notch education for kids or the jobs of the future will pass us by," said Sen. Ellis. "We want to ensure that the gas pipeline truly benefits Alaska residents and businesses."

"We are here to make sure the people's work gets done, push for open and better government and keep the Majority from embarking on a 2001 space-out odyssey," said Rep. Berkowitz

Also today Democrats launched an updated version of their website: www.akdemocrats.org as a resource for press and constituents. Updated frequently, the site launches a new streaming audio feature, online releases, as well as links to legislators' personal pages.