Minority E-Newsletter - 23rd Alaska State Legislature

The House and Senate Democrats extend their condolences to Senator Bettye Davis and her family for the loss of her husband Troy. Senator Davis and Troy have been married for 45 years. The family said: "He was a devoted and loving husband and father. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He was a kind man with a gentle spirit and enjoyed working on his lawn, watching football and basketball, and barbecuing. He was loved and admired by all who knew him."

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, 99503.

House Bill 356, sponsored by Representative Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue), passed the House of Representatives today unanimously this week. House Bill 356 extends the sunset date on Alaska law relating to alcohol beverage delivery sites.

“The legislation itself provides communities with the option to monitor the inflow of alcohol into their community through a locally operated distribution center,” said Representative Joule. “To date Barrow is the only community that has opted to utilize this option but has found it helpful in controlling alcohol consumption and bootlegging in the area.”

An extension of the sunset date gives communities more options to deal with problems on the local level, said Representative Joule.

House Bill 56, sponsored by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage), provides the state with a needed tool to fight consumer fraud more effectively, more efficiently, and without any cost to the state. This bill strengthens the state's ability to represent Alaskans who have been victimized by fraudulent business practices, whether by used car dealers, telemarketers, or others who prey on Alaska's consumers. It does so while actually saving the state money. Currently victims of consumer fraud can contact the State's Attorney General's Office for help. However, due to budget constraints, the State cannot help many such victims. In 2001 roughly half of all Alaskans who complained of consumer law violations were turned away due to budget constraints.

HB 56 changes the law to allow the state to recover its full enforcement, investigation and court costs if it prevails against a party that has violated Alaska's consumer protection laws.

Davis's Bill to Extend Commission on Aging Passes
Senate Labor and Commerce

Senate Bill 263, sponsored by Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage), would extend change the termination date for the Commission on Aging from June 2004 to June 30, 2008. It also makes changes to statute to reflect the transfer of the commission from the Department of Administration to the Department of Health and Social Services. The Alaska Commission on Aging has continued to help older Alaskans lead dignified independent and useful lives.

Tuesday, February 24th - The next meeting of the Joint Legislative Health Caucus will take place from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Butrovich/Fahrenkamp room. The subject of the meeting will be "The Big View of Individual Seniors and Their Health Care." Statewide teleconferencing will be available. For more information, contact Representative Sharon Cissna's office at 465-3875.



	At todays Joint Open Caucus regarding the Brain Drain (young people leaving Alaska), House and Senate Democrats welcomed the presentations from UA President Mark Hamilton, ACPSE Executive Director Diane Barrans, and student Elizabeth Schoenfeld.
	The House and Senate Democrats extend their condolences to Senator Bettye Davis and her family for the loss of her husband Troy. Senator Davis and Troy have been married for 45 years. The family said: "He was a devoted and loving husband and father. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He was a kind man with a gentle spirit and enjoyed working on his lawn, watching football and basketball, and barbecuing. He was loved and admired by all who knew him." Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Anchorage, 99503. Joule Wins Extension for Local Control of Alcohol House Bill 356, sponsored by Representative Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue), passed the House of Representatives today unanimously this week. House Bill 356 extends the sunset date on Alaska law relating to alcohol beverage delivery sites. “The legislation itself provides communities with the option to monitor the inflow of alcohol into their community through a locally operated distribution center,” said Representative Joule. “To date Barrow is the only community that has opted to utilize this option but has found it helpful in controlling alcohol consumption and bootlegging in the area.” An extension of the sunset date gives communities more options to deal with problems on the local level, said Representative Joule. HB 356 heads now to the Senate for consideration. Gara's Bill on Unfair Trade Practices Passes Senate Finance House Bill 56, sponsored by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage), provides the state with a needed tool to fight consumer fraud more effectively, more efficiently, and without any cost to the state. This bill strengthens the state's ability to represent Alaskans who have been victimized by fraudulent business practices, whether by used car dealers, telemarketers, or others who prey on Alaska's consumers. It does so while actually saving the state money. Currently victims of consumer fraud can contact the State's Attorney General's Office for help. However, due to budget constraints, the State cannot help many such victims. In 2001 roughly half of all Alaskans who complained of consumer law violations were turned away due to budget constraints. HB 56 changes the law to allow the state to recover its full enforcement, investigation and court costs if it prevails against a party that has violated Alaska's consumer protection laws. House Bill 56 [sponsor statement] now goes to the Floor. Davis's Bill to Extend Commission on Aging Passes Senate Labor and Commerce Senate Bill 263, sponsored by Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage), would extend change the termination date for the Commission on Aging from June 2004 to June 30, 2008. It also makes changes to statute to reflect the transfer of the commission from the Department of Administration to the Department of Health and Social Services. The Alaska Commission on Aging has continued to help older Alaskans lead dignified independent and useful lives. Senate Bill 263 [sponsor statement] now goes to Senate Finance. Upcoming Events- Tuesday, February 24th - The next meeting of the Joint Legislative Health Caucus will take place from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Butrovich/Fahrenkamp room. The subject of the meeting will be "The Big View of Individual Seniors and Their Health Care." Statewide teleconferencing will be available. For more information, contact Representative Sharon Cissna's office at 465-3875. Putting Alaskans First - Moving Alaska Forward