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E-Newsletter from AKDemocrats.org

Joule's Climate Impact Assessment Commission Passes House

Rep. Reggie Joule         House Concurrent Resolution 30, sponsored by Representative Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue), identifies and addresses many of the issues impacting Alaska that are the result of recent and ongoing climate change.

         Climate change affects 184 coastal and river communities, or 86 percent of Alaska communities, in both rural and urban areas of the state. The impacts to Alaska include: erosion, flooding, ice jams, glacial melts, rising sea level, changing river patterns, heavy rainfall, and the thawing of vital permafrost.

         HCR 30 sets the groundwork to help Alaska cope with continuing climate change. HCR 30 creates a commission of qualified persons that will research, consult, and advise the legislature on ways to plan and react to climate change emergencies and prevent or at least minimize future impacts. Senator Ted Stevens is also introducing legislation to the U.S. Congress that addresses similar issues. The Alaska Climate Impact Assessment Commission will develop a comprehensive, preventative plan to address these issues that will help save lives, protect public health, preserve economic and resource development, and protect valuable infrastructure.

         HCR 30 now goes to the Senate.

Kerttula's Resolution Supporting Home Loans
for Veterans Passed the House

Rep. Beth Kerttula         Representative Beth Kerttula's HJR 25 passed the House Wednesday April 12, 2006. The resolution calls for Congress to support the extension of the homeownership loan program to all veterans who have served in the armed forces versus the prior program that limited the loan program to those that served before 1977. This extension of the program is a way for our nation to express its gratitude to those who have served. A copy of the resolution can be found at http://www.akdemocrats.org/?bill=HJR25.

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Sen. EllisDemo Memo logoRep. Gardner
"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 Berta Gardner this Friday 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.