September 20-26, 2004
Senator Lisa Murkowski Adds Name To Safe Drug Importation Bill
Co-Sponsors Gregg Legislation After Safety Concerns Are Met
Washington, D.C. - In her continued efforts to help safely reduce the rising cost of health care in Alaska, Senator Lisa Murkowski co-sponsored legislation that met her safety concerns to allow drug importation from Canada and other traditional European Union countries. The legislation, (S.2493) sponsored by Senator Judd Gregg, R-N.H., chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, allows the importation of drugs provided that the drugs imported are protected by basic safety standards to prevent drug counterfeiting or the loss of drug potency......(FULL TEXT)
Council Of State Governments To Meet In Alaska
1500 State Leaders Nationwide Will Convene in Anchorage Sept. 24-29
Anchorage, AK - Governor Frank H. Murkowski will welcome more than 1,500 state officials and policymakers from across the nation who will gather here when the Council of State Governments (CSG) holds its 2004 Annual State Trends & Leadership Forum Sept. 24-29......(FULL TEXT)
National Native News...
Thursday, September 16, 2004
- Native American Wal-Mart Employee Alleges Racial Assault by Co-Workers
- Native Men Encouraged to Take Test for Prostate Cancer
- Arizona Tribal Casinos Earn $1.35 Billion in Revenues......(FULL TEXT)
Legislation To Further Protect U.S. Aviation System Approved By House Subcommittee
Washington, D.C. - Legislation to enhance U.S. aviation security - including major aviation recommendations of the 9/11 Commission - was unanimously approved by a U.S. House subcommittee.
The House Aviation Subcommittee met to consider legislation "To Further Protect the U.S. Aviation System from Terrorist Attacks." The legislation includes two previous aviation security bills that were introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members earlier this year, the 9/11 Commission recommendations, and other provisions......(FULL TEXT)
Lieutenant Governor's Report
By Loren
Leman
Lieutenant Governor
September 16, 2004
WELCOME HOME SSGT HELMICK: On Saturday Carolyn and I joined family, co-workers and friends at Elmendorf AFB to welcome home Staff Sergeant Mike Helmick. Helmick was severely injured in Iraq on August 29 when his convoy was bombed. Airman Carl Anderson, Jr., also from Elmendorf AFB, lost his life in the attack......(FULL TEXT)
Bridgman Files For South Anchorage Assembly Seat
Tim Bridgman has filed his letter of intent to run for the South Anchorage Assembly seat currently occupied by incumbent Dick Tremaine. In his first run for public office in the April 2004 Assembly elections, Bridgman lost by a narrow margin to incumbent Janice Shamberg. "This time I know what to do," says Bridgman......(FULL TEXT)
Fairbanks DMV Gets New Office Manager
Fairbanks, AK - Duane Bannock, director of the Division of Motor Vehicles for the State of Alaska, named Joanne Olsen as Office Manager of the Fairbanks DMV office......(FULL TEXT)
Anderson Selected Vice-Chair Of NCSL Energy & Electric Utilities Committee
Anchorage, AK - Alaska Representative Tom Anderson (R-East Anchorage) has been chosen to serve as the new Vice-chairman of the Energy and Electric Utilities Committee for the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL). NCSL is the pre-eminent bipartisan organization dedicated to providing an open, national forum for lawmakers to communicate with one another and share ideas. During his first term in office, Representative Anderson has served as Chair of both the House Labor and Commerce Committee and the Anchorage Caucus, as well as Vice-chair of the House Judiciary Committee......(FULL TEXT)
Export Council Calls For Forest Management
At their September monthly meeting, the Export Council of Alaska called on the state and federal governments to actively manage Alaska's forests. Citing the precipitous decline in the value of exports of Alaska forest products to markets abroad from $426 million in 1996 to last year's value of $152 million and the egregious dislocation of some 1500 Alaska families who were supported by the timber industry, the Council called on government officials to establish and maintain a reliable timber supply sufficient to sustain a viable timber industry in regions throughout Alaska......(FULL TEXT)
Flood Easements Offered To Residents Of Pile Driver Slough Area
Solution Follows Year-Long Study of Flood Prevention Options
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) signed an agreement with the Fairbanks North Star Borough to implement the voluntary Floodplain Easement Program for property owners in the Pile Driver Slough area who have been affected by annual flooding of the Tanana River......(FULL TEXT)
Legislative Committee Meeting Schedules
House Standing Committees
JUDICIARYSep 30 Thursday Anch Lio Conf Rm 9:00 AM
**Joint with Senate Judiciary Committee**
Discussion: Alaska Judicial Council's Judgeship Selection Process......(FULL TEXT)
Senator Murkowski Launches New Radio Ad
New Ad Critical of Knowles' Failure to Move Clinton on ANWR
Washington, D.C. - Senator Lisa Murkowski unveiled a new radio ad criticizing Tony Knowles' failure to convince President Clinton to sign ANWR into law in 1995. "I was in Alaska when Tony Knowles ran for Governor in 1994. I remember he alluded that he could get Bill Clinton to approve ANWR, if Alaskans just gave him that chance. Well, Alaskans gave him that chance, and that chance was squandered," Senator Murkowski said......(FULL TEXT)
Trade Mission To Seoul
World Trade Center Alaska and the State of Alaska invite you to participate in a trade mission to Seoul, Korea. Korea is Alaska's long-standing #2 trading partner. Last year, exports from Alaska to Korea totaled $566 million, up 36% from the previous year. Seafood, fertilizer, minerals and forest products are the major Alaskan exports to the country......(FULL TEXT)
Izembek State Game Refuge Public Scoping Meetings In Cold Bay, King Cove, And Sand Point
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is initiating a planning process for the Izembek State Game Refuge. In conjunction with this process, public scoping meetings are now planned for the communities of Cold Bay, King Cove, and Sand Point. These meetings will be held in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service's public scoping meetings concerning management planning for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge......(FULL TEXT)
Alaska Native Heritage Center Opens Winter Season With World Music Festival
Anchorage, AK - The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) is opening its winter season with a World Music Festival on October 2, 2004 from 10am to 5pm. The World Music Festival is a celebration of indigenous music around the world. Admission will be free. This event marks the beginning of the winter season when ANHC is open to the public every Saturday from 10am to 5pm with a different Native theme each week. "Celebrating Culture Saturdays" are sponsored by BP......(FULL TEXT)
Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Bill Introduced In U.S. House
Bipartisan Legislation Would Provided $3.5 Billion Over Next Three Years
Washington, D.C. - Bipartisan legislation designed to expand and improve anti-terrorism measures for the nation's public transportation systems and intercity bus operators was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The "Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention and Response Act of 2004" (H.R. 5082) will authorize $3.5 billion over the next three years for public transportation security grants. The grants will be based on assessments of risk and vulnerability consistent with the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission......(FULL TEXT)
Anchorage Museum Showcases Works Of Art In Metal At Two Events
Gold
and Beyond: Contemporary Alaska Metalsmiths
Sept. 25 through Nov. 21
Opening reception, Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. - Free Admission
Works by some of the best contemporary Alaska metalsmiths are featured in this juried exhibition organized by the Alaska Metal Arts Guild. Gold and Beyond: Contemporary Alaska Metalsmiths is the guild's second major public exhibition. Participating artists have incorporated indigenous Alaskan materials into their works which range from functional to decorative and utilize a variety of techniques and materials including precious and semi-precious metals that have been cast constructed or forged. The statewide guild has over 60 members. This exhibition offers viewers the chance to experience modern interpretations of metalsmithing, one of the world's oldest art forms......(FULL TEXT)
Excellent King Salmon Escapements Reported Throughout Southeast Alaska
Juneau, AK - Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) escapement surveys show king salmon escapements throughout Southeast Alaska meeting or exceeding goals. Preliminary region-wide escapement estimates indicate 180,000 kings have returned to spawn in 11 key systems, the second highest count on record. The Stikine River greatly influenced numbers with a record high estimate of over 84,000 kings, three times the upper end of the escapement range......(FULL TEXT)
