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Alaska State Legislature House and Senate Democrats |
WEB: CONTACT: PHONE: FAX: EMAIL: |
http://www.akdemocrats.org Jordan Marshall, Press Secretary (907) 269-0133 or 321-3682 (907) 269-0132 press@akdemocrats.org |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · April 20, 2004 |
100th Day Press Conference
Democratic lawmakers lay out priorities for end of session
JUNEAU - House and Senate Democratic legislators today held a press conference to mark the 100th day of the 23rd Alaska State Legislature. The lawmakers stood shoulder to shoulder and emphasized a united commitment to full funding for public education, reiterated Democrats' pledge to protect the Permanent Fund Dividend, and highlighted the importance of building an Alaska natural gas pipeline.
"Public education, Permanent Fund protection, and gas pipeline construction remain our top priorities for the 23rd Legislature," said Senate Democratic Leader Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage).
"I stand here proud to report the legislature took a bold step this year with public education funding," said Senator Bettye Davis (D-Anchorage). "For years we’ve called for early and adequate funding for education, and this year our colleagues seem to have heard the call. The pressure we brought to bear produced great results."
"Democrats stand firm in our support for the Permanent Fund Dividend program," said Representative Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage). "It appears the governor and the Republican leadership plot a 'dividend only' fiscal plan. Democrats just aren't signing up for this rodeo."
"We can go a long way in relieving the pressure on the state's treasury by moving forward on a natural gas pipeline," said Representative David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). "Responsible resource development is a key component of our Democratic vision for Alaska. Delays in construction translate into delays of Alaskans’ dreams being realized."
House Democratic Leader Ethan Berkowitz concluded, "We're optimistic we can meet these challenges."
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