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Senators Guess and Elton Sponsor Veterans' Bills

Compensation for State Employees Called to Duty
Senator Elton introduced Senate Bill 26, which will allow the Governor to authorize state employees who are called to active duty to continue to receive receiving the equivalent of their state compensation and some or all of their state benefits. This is especially important for the families of our fighting men and women. Always willing to reach across the aisle for Alaska Veterans, Sen. Elton sponsored the bill jointly with Sen. Taylor. The bill received a hearing in the Senate State Affairs
Committee yesterday and was passed out of committee.

Senate Bill 26 now moves to Senate Finance.

Commemorative License Plates for Veterans
Senator Guess introduced Senate Bill 146, which will allow the DMV to issue special request plates commemorating Alaska veterans. The license plates could be purchased for a one-time fee of $100, with a biennial renewal fee of $35. The money raised would be available to support programs benefiting Alaska veterans, including an Alaska Veterans' Home.

Senate Bill 146 will be heard on Thursday, April 3 in Senate State Affairs committee at 3:30 pm.

Democratic Legislators Highlight Impacts of Murkowski Budget on Family of Four

House and Senate Democratic Legislators held a mid-session press conference (photos) and noted a remarkable lack of progress as lawmakers approach the halfway point through the first session of the 23rd Alaska State Legislature. Concern about the Governor's proposed budget - with its raft of taxes and indiscriminate cuts to essential services - was illustrated by the impacts on an Alaskan family of four. (Click here to see the invoice)

Impacts on other segments of Alaska were also given in testimony from several callers who testified on behalf of small business owners, commuters, students and the elderly.

"We have come forward with ideas that do not penalize working Alaskans," said House Democratic Leader Ethan Berkowitz. (D-Anchorage). "Democratic ideas include permit streamlining, increased revenues to the state, and innovative solutions to bridge the fiscal gap."

Democrats have made positive proposals and stand by their commitment to good jobs, better schools, and safe and healthy communities.

"Our Republican counterparts said they were waiting for marching orders from Governor Murkowski," said Senate Democratic Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage). "They have their leader's budget and are confused about what to do. We believe they should consider the impacts on working Alaskans."

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