House and Senate Democrats' Website gets Update

In an effort to harness the advances in internet technologies, the House and Senate Democrats' Webmaster has redesigned www.akdemocrats.org so that every bit of information is maintained separate from the web page code in a mySQL database. This database provides structure and reliability to the website's content while the use of a web programming language named PHP manages that information in more unique and improved ways than ever before.

If you are still awake after that, read on to catch some highlighted changes...

One unmistakable improvement has been to the navigation system of akdemocrats.org. Utilizing DHTML and Javascript code, this new menu showcases nested links and easier accessability to any part of the website. See image below for an example:

Publications produced by House and Senate Democrats are handled in a different way too. Look to the menu and see 'Stay Informed' - the menu list for newsletters and publications. You can always get a mix of the latest by going to 'Recent Publications'. One could choose a specific legislator's publication in that menu OR view the most recent publication at that legislator's homepage. Newsletters and legislative updates are regularly produced by Senators Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Lincoln and Olson and also by Representatives Gara, Kapsner, and Moses. House and Senate Democrats produce a E-Newsletter twice weekly during the session as well as periodic Action Alerts.

Bill information is always up to date thanks to a process of retrieving data from the state managed Bill Action and Status Inquiry System, otherwise known as B.A.S.I.S.. This insures that as soon as a bill is documented by the State of Alaska Legislature, it will be immediately posted and linked from the respective bill sponsor's 'Current Legislation' page.

During the interim (June through December) visitors should expect to see additions to the 'My District' section of each legislator showcased at www.akdemocrats.org. This portion creates opportunities for a legislator to highlight their district's growth, communities, people, landmarks, and history. Constituent events will be posted as well as links to maps, pictures and relevant websites. Great place to check later.

website tip 1: Use your favorite legislator's name instead of www in the website URL.
for example - guess.akdemocrats.org, kapsner.akdemocrats.org - quick & easy!

website tip 2: Email addresses are easy! lastname@akdemocrats.org - thats it!
for example - ellis@akdemocrats.org, croft@akdemocrats.org - you get it!

Thanks for your interest in the legislative process and for utilizing this invaluable resource in our fight to put Alaskans first and move Alaska forward! Please contact the webmaster with any suggestions or comments using email or call 465-2430.