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Alaska State Legislature House Democrats |
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http://www.akdemocrats.org Mark Gnadt, Press Secretary (907) 465-3842 (907) 465-5125 Mark.Gnadt@legis.state.ak.us |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · May 21, 2009 |
DEMOCRATS: ‘GOVERNOR SHOULD TAKE ENERGY FUNDS’
House Dems still hope to secure Alaska’s stimulus dollars
ANCHORAGE – Two House Democrats today expressed disappointment and surprise that Gov. Sarah Palin maintained her position and failed to accept $28.6 million in federal stimulus funds targeted at critical energy needs. Rep. Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage) and House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau) both said the governor’s continued concerns over building codes and strings are unfounded, and should not be obstacles between Alaskans and these important energy funds.
“Forty-nine other states have already requested this money and have found a way to incorporate the standards,” Crawford said. “Most of the codes we’re talking about are already in place, and local governments will still be free to either change their codes or not request the federal money. Why would we tie their hands behind their backs by not giving them that option?”
Thirteen House Democrats sent a letter to the governor in early May (available here), urging her to accept the funds. The Administration has maintained its position on the energy stimulus funds, despite bi-partisan calls from legislators to relent.
“This just doesn’t make sense to me,” Kerttula said. “Affordable energy continues to be the greatest challenge facing Alaskans, and these funds could go a long way toward reducing that burden. I hope we can use the time we still have left to put our heads together and reach agreement on this.”
Kerttula and Crawford are working with other legislators to determine if there is still a solution available.
“I don’t want to just sit here with my arms folded while Arnold Schwarzenegger spends Alaska’s energy funds," Kerttula said. "As long as there’s still a chance, I’m going to keep fighting for this energy relief.”
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