Democratic Leaders Speak in Response to
State of the State

Senator Johnny Ellis
State of the State Response

     Good evening. I'm Johnny Ellis, Democratic leader in the Alaska Senate. I'm joined tonight by Representative Ethan Berkowitz, Democratic leader in the State House.

     Democratic legislators have made a clear and positive agenda, for the start of the 24 th Alaska Legislature. We are going back to basics- more jobs, better schools, and high ethical standards.

     Two years ago and every year since, big promises were made to improve our economy and Alaskans are still waiting. It is time to get Alaska moving again. Our commitment to more good jobs means a gas pipeline deal that truly benefits Alaska residents. Ethan will give more details in a moment.

     For Democratic legislators, better schools means adequate and early funding that reduces class size so children, voc-tech and university students from Saxman to Barrow can achieve their full potential.

     What you did not hear tonight is the fact that according to a recent legislative analysis, the governor's proposal short changes students in Juneau and Anchorage school districts. That's just not acceptable. We will work with him to fix that problem

     And we believe the public should expect all their public servants to live up to the highest ethical standards. That includes the Attorney General, and the Governor himself.

     We plan not to obstruct, but rather construct-by working with everyone possible, a strong list of positive accomplishments to benefit the citizens of our state.

     For more information, please visit us on the web at www.akdemocrats.org

Representative Ethan Berkowitz
State of the State Response

     The State of the State is ready. Ready to come together and embark on an effort that will hopefully be remembered as the signature achievement of this generation.

     That is construction of a Natural Gas Pipeline.

     We dream of great achievements like this because we have faith in Alaska's people and because we prize the natural bounty and riches of our land.

     For us, a gas pipeline means jobs and prosperity for Alaskans and energy security for America. It means good schools with small class sizes. It means safe communities, and affordable health care for those who need it.

     To honor the promise of the pipeline, we need a contract that insures:

• Access for all producers, large and small
• Access to gas for Alaskan homes and businesses
• Access to jobs, and;
• Protection of Alaskans and their gas resource

     All of that is a false dream without a firm start date.

     Most importantly, the gasline will rekindle the Alaskan spirit of possibility, where young Alaskans stay home to build our future, where we live up to our standard of excellence, and make Alaska the place others turn to when they want to know how to do it right.

Upcoming Events -

Monday, January 17th-

Juneau - Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration sponsored by the Black Awareness Association at Centennial Hall from 2:00-4:00 pm. For more information call Sheri Patterson at 790-9371

Anchorage - The city’s Parks and Recreation Department, along with local businesses, is sponsoring events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. From 10-5 pm at Spenard Recreation Center (2020 W. 48th Ave., 343 – 4160) and from 12-5 pm at Russian Jack Chalet (5300 Debarr Road, 343 – 6992) there will be fun, free events for kids of all ages. Activities include sledding, snowshoeing and first aid classes at Russian Jack and basketball, first aid, and computer classes at Spenard Recreation Center.

Thursday, January 20th-

Juneau - Senator Kim Elton will be the first speaker at the Egan Forum at the Baranof Hotel at noon. The title of his talk is “Incoming.”

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Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward

Sen. Bettye Davis, Sen. Johnny Ellis, Sen. Kim Elton, Sen. Hollis French, Sen. Gretchen Guess, Sen. Lyman Hoffman, Sen. Albert Kookesh, Sen. Donny Olson, Rep. Ethan Berkowitz, Rep. Sharon Cissna, Rep. Harry Crawford, Rep. Eric Croft, Rep. Les Gara, Rep. Berta Gardner, Rep. Max Gruenberg, Rep. David Guttenberg, Rep. Reggie Joule, Rep. Mary Kapsner, Rep. Beth Kerttula, Rep. Carl Moses, Rep. Woodie Salmon