E-Newsletter from AKDemocrats.org
Sen. EllisDemo Memo logoRep. Berkowitz
"Demo Memo" - A weekly report from your Democratic legislators in Juneau working for an Alaska that is safer, healthier, smarter, and richer.
Please join Senator Johnny Ellis and special guest Representative Ethan Berkowitz this Friday, March 10th at 4:30 pm for the "Demo Memo" on KUDO radio 1080 AM. This is a weekly segment on The Aaron Selbig Show, KUDO 1080's local progressive voice, a chance for Senator Ellis and a special guest to do the week in review...what happened in Juneau, what's going on next week, what bills are moving and so on. The Demo Memo is only broadcast in Anchorage at this point, but we hope it will be available statewide soon.

Kerttula's Marriage Broker Bill Passes
House Labor and Commerce

Rep. Beth KerttulaHouse Bill 402, sponsored by Representative Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau), will require International Marriage Brokers to provide several pieces of information to foreign brides in their own languages. Marital history information must be provided and must include how many times the client has been married, how and when each marriage was terminated, and whether they have previously sponsored a foreign national for purposes of marriage.

The required criminal justice information must be obtained by submitting the client’s fingerprints for a national criminal history record check. This also includes a complete list of restraining orders and civil protective orders that involve the client.

The marriage broker is also required to provide information explaining that domestic violence is illegal in the U.S. and where to obtain assistance for victims. Information must also be provided regarding the rights of victims of domestic violence including the right to petition for residency status independent of the spouse. Violations of any of these requirements are subject to a civil penalty of up to $20,000.

House Bill 402 now goes to Judiciary.

Upcoming Events-

Friday, March 10th-

Representative Woodie Salmon will host a breakfast meeting in Tok at Fast Eddie's Restaurant from 8:30 to 10 am. For questions or comments, please call Rep. Salmon at 907-465-4527.

Saturday, March 11th-

Representative Woodie Salmon will host a breakfast meeting in Tok on Friday at Fast Eddie's Restaurant from 8:30 to 10 am. For questions or comments, please call Rep. Salmon at 907-465-4527.

Senator Hollis French and Representatives Ethan Berkowitz and Eric Croft will host a neighborhood pizza party from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Spenard Recreation Center located at 2020 W. 48th Ave. For more information, please call 866-465-3892.

Senator Gretchen Guess and Representative Max Gruenberg will host a constituent pizza party from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mountain View Boys & Girls Club located at 315 Price Street (on the corner of Price and Peterkin). The party will be in the downstairs conference room. A $1 donation to help defray costs would be greatly appreciated. For more information, please call 800-550-2435.

Senator Johnny Ellis and Representative Berta Gardner will host a constituent pizza party from 11 to 1 pm at the First Christian Methodist Episcopal Church located at 3600 MacInnes Street. For more information, please call 888-330-3704.

Sunday, March 12th-

Senator Johnny Ellis and Representative Berta Gardner will host a constituent coffee and donut social from 2 to 4 pm at Tudor Elementary School located at 1666 Cache Drive. For more information, please call 888-330-3704.

Senator Gretchen Guess and Representative Max Gruenberg will host a constituent pizza party from 4 to 6 pm at the VFW. The VFW is located on the corner of Oklahoma and Boundary. A $1 donation to help defray costs would be greatly appreciated. For more information, please call 800-550-2435.

Monday, March 13th – Friday, March 17th

Representative Woodie Salmon will be in Fairbanks where he will attend the Tanana Chief's Conference, March 14 to 16 at the Chena River Convention Center. For questions or comments, please call Rep. Salmon at 907-465-4527.

Senator Albert Kookesh will address Tanana Chiefs Conference and Doyon Shareholder's meeting. He and legislative aide Dorothy Shockley will attend the Tanana Chiefs Subregional and Annual Convention, March 13 – 16, where they will meet with 42 of the 127 communities in Senate District C. Senator Kookesh will give the Senate Legislative & Bush Caucus reports to the full Board of Tanana Chiefs Conference and also chair the Resolution Committee. He will then attend Doyon Limited's Annual Shareholders meeting March 17 where he will give the Senate Legislative Report. Both events are being held in Fairbanks. For more information, please call 465-3473.