Legislators Travel to Fairbanks for Conference of Alaskans

Senator Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage) and Representative Ethan Berkowitz (D-Anchorage) traveled, at the request of the Governor, to Fairbanks for the Conference of Alaskans. Senator Ellis and Representative Berkowitz join the Conference as non-voting members. Senator Kim Elton (D-Juneau), Senator Donny Olson (D-Nome), Representative Eric Croft (D-Anchorage), and Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks) also traveled to Fairbanks to be a part of this historic occasion. The House and Senate Democrats will hold a press conference on Friday in the Beltz room in the Capitol to discuss the Conference. Tune in on Gavel to Gavel at www.ktoo.org/gavel.

Representative Kerttula Works to Protect Consumers
From Mad Cow Disease

House Joint Resolution 35, sponsored by Representative Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau), will require country of origin labeling (COOL) of beef and beef products helping consumers to make intelligent decisions in purchasing meat. Currently, country of origin labeling for beef has been delayed until September 30, 2006 from its original implementation date of September 30, 2004. Because of the recent mad cow scare, COOL should be implemented sooner. House Joint Resolution 35 supports any efforts by the Alaska congressional delegation to ensure more timely country of origin labeling of beef.

Upcoming Events-

Thursday, February 12th-Representative Albert Kookesh (D-Angoon) and Representative Mary Kapsner (D-Bethel) will speak at the Bill Egan Forum at the Baranof Hotel (Juneau) beginning at noon.

Saturday, February 14th-Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage,District K), and Representatives Sharon Cissna (D-Anchorage, District 22) and Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage, District 21), will hold a constituent meeting from noon to 3 p.m. in the Baxter Elementary School cafeteria.

The meeting is the first constituent meeting since the beginning of the legislative session in January. Items planned for discussion include the Alaska natural gas pipeline, the outcome of the Governor’s “Conference of Alaskans” in Fairbanks, the budget’s effect on education, health and social services funding, and other issues of importance to the residents of East Anchorage.

Questions about the constituent meeting may be directed to Representative Cissna’s Juneau office at 1-800-922-3875.

Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward