August 2-8, 2004
Governor Signs Bill To Keep Teen Drivers Safe
Other Bills Signed Create Citizenship Office, Address Administrative Reviews
Juneau, AK - At a bill signing ceremony at Juneau-Douglas High School, Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed House Bill 213, creating a provisional driver's license; HB 379, creating the Office of Citizenship Assistance; and HB 533, addressing timely resolution of state permitting and licensing disputes or other administrative actions......(FULL TEXT)
Local Dancer Featured In Altman's Film "The Company"
Playing at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art Aug. 7-8
Sam Franke, 31, son of Gordon Franke of Anchorage, will be featured in the Robert Altman film "The Company" which will air at 6 p.m., Aug. 7 -8, at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. The film provides a behind-the-scenes look at a well-known ballet company. Franke plays "Frankie," a member of Chicago's Joffrey Ballet in the film......(FULL TEXT)
National Native News...
Monday, July 26, 2004
Lieutenant Governor's Report
By Loren
Leman
Lieutenant Governor
July 29, 2004
BREAKING BREAD WITH ALASKANS: A longtime fun tradition is the sharing of food with Alaskans at the Governor's picnics. This is also a great time to visit face-to-face with friends and neighbors. I joined Governor Murkowski, First Lady Nancy and several commissioners in Anchorage and Fairbanks to serve thousands of sloppy joes, salmon burgers and hot dogs. Many contributing businesses and volunteers help make these wonderful community events possible. I also attended a subsequent community picnic and celebration in North Pole, complete with rousing patriotic music by a young people's troupe from New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ......(FULL TEXT)
Sen. Murkowski Presents Education Grants To Sealaska In Juneau, Lower Kuskokwim District In Bethel To Help Native Children
Palmer, AK - Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced that the U.S. Department of Education is awarding four grants to state school organizations to help prepare Native children to do well in school - grants being awarded as a result of the No Child Left Behind educational reform act......(FULL TEXT)
Meet The World At The Museum This August
"Meet the World at the Museum" on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, from noon to 5 p.m. on the lawn on the corner of C Street and Seventh Avenue, adjacent the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. This colorful celebration, co-sponsored by the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and Bridge Builders - a local nonprofit charged with promoting cultural diversity in Anchorage - will showcase music and dance performances, art, crafts, games, and food from the many cultural groups that call Anchorage home. Admission to the event is free......(FULL TEXT)
Congressman Young Announces Highlights In FY05 Defense Appropriations Conference Report
Washington, D.C. - Alaska Congressman Don Young announced earmarks from FY05 Defense Appropriations Conference Report. The Conference Report provides $416.2 billion in new discretionary spending authority for the Department of Defense for functions under the House and Senate Defense Subcommittees' jurisdiction. This includes $25 billion in emergency spending requested by the President for early fiscal year 2005 cost associated with operations in Iraq and Afghanistan......(FULL TEXT)
Governor Overflies Taylor Complex Fire
Juneau, AK - Governor Frank H. Murkowski overflew Tok and Tanacross to observe the Taylor Complex fire on his way from Fairbanks to Juneau.
"I am watching the situation closely and keeping up to date on the efforts to fight these fires and to keep Alaskans and their property out of harm's way," said Murkowski. "Many good people from around this state and nation are working hard every day on the Taylor Complex and other fires and I thank them for their diligence."......(FULL TEXT)
Lisa Murkowski Opens Mat-Su Campaign Headquarters
Received Endorsement of Several Mat-Su Valley Leaders
Wasilla, AK - Senator Lisa Murkowski held a grand opening reception for her new Mat-Su Valley Campaign headquarters at which she spoke about the importance of reaching out to all Alaskans and received the endorsement of several long time Mat-Su Valley residents and local leaders......(FULL TEXT)
Governor Signs Education, Railroad, Other Bills Into Law
Improves Federal-State Cooperation on School Designations, Track Work
Juneau, AK - Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed 11 bills into law, including legislation aimed at improving state-federal cooperation on efforts to improve Alaska's schools and to maintain Alaska Railroad tracks at intersections with state roads......(FULL TEXT)
Medicine Dream Concert At The Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage, AK - The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) proudly presents Medicine Dream in concert on August 8th at 7:30pm. With their unique blend of contemporary and Native American music, the Anchorage-based band has achieved local, national and international recognition. Weather permitting, the concert will be held outside at ANHC......(FULL TEXT)
Sen. Murkowski Presents $1.06 Million Grant For New Preschool To Mat-Su School District
Palmer, AK - Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski presented the Mat-Su Borough School District with a new three-year grant for $1,058,397 to fund the proposed Nanuaq Preschool, a community-based development program designed to increase school readiness skills specifically for Alaska Native children ages three and four......(FULL TEXT)
Governor Signs Rat Racing Bill
Anchorage, AK - Governor Frank Murkowski signed into law legislation sponsored by Representative Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak/Mat-Su) to allow charitable gaming events to continue in Alaska. The signing ceremony for HB 366, better known as the Rat Race Bill, took place at the Governor's picnic on Saturday, July 24, 2004.
The Rat Race Bill will enable the Palmer Elks Lodge to continue operating this 50 year-old charity fundraiser. Representatives from the Elks Lodge included Kathy Johns, Ken Axemaker, and Marilyn Grasser.
"I am extremely pleased to see this piece of legislation signed by the Governor. This law will allow non-profit organizations to continue their methods of fundraising and to continue a long-time Alaska State Fair tradition," said Representative Stoltze.
Congressman Young Supports Veterans Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment
Washington, D.C. - Alaska Congressman Don Young voted to pass H.R. 4175, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004. This legislation increases the rate of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans. This bill passed by a vote of 421 to 0......(FULL TEXT)
Governor Meets With Secretary Thompson
Discusses health and social service issues
Juneau, AK - Governor Frank H. Murkowski met with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson in Juneau to discuss health care issues and to update the secretary on initiatives the administration has undertaken to provide for the health and welfare of Alaskans......(FULL TEXT)
