April 1, 2008 Newsletter

 

APRIL 1, 2008   During his almost four decades in the U.S. Senate, Senator Stevens has tackled a vast variety of issues facing Alaska and the nation. Most Alaskans are aware of his work in securing funding for important Alaska programs, enhancing national defense, and protecting our fisheries. However, few might realize his role in the advancement of women's issues and rights. During March, which is Women's History Month, Senator Stevens highlighted some of the most important and most recent initiatives he has championed. "I have tried since I've been here to have the Senate remember we ought to be oriented toward the family. It is the basis of our society and has really brought about the success of this country."  Senator Stevens discusses why he has focused on women's and family issues. Senator Stevens has been a key proponent of Title IX since its inception. He worked with Senator Birch Bayh, a Democrat from Indiana who has since retired, to ensure equal programming for women's sports in primary and undergraduate schools. The Senator's interest started with his three daughters and continues today with his seven granddaughters. "I definitly think Title IX has helped us along a lot. People are coming to the women's games and the guys' games and they know about women's sports more than they did before. It's interesting because we are starting to play harder, we have more talent coming in." - Rebecca Kielpinski, UAA Womens Basketball Player  Watch the entire Alaska Report regarding Title IX and amateur sports - Part I - Part II Today, Senator Stevens is focused on making sure new mothers are guaranteed enough time with their new child. The importance of a healthy family from the start is a guiding concern in this matter.  Read Senator Stevens' OpEd about his Family Leave Act Alaska Congressional Delegation Works to Open ANWR With the price of oil escalating well past $100 a barrel, Alaska's Congressional Delegation believes it will be time to take serious measures to increase supply. To this end, Senator Murkowski, joined by Senator Stevens, has proposed legislation that will open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil exploration when oil reaches $125 a barrel. Recognizing the importance of reducing America's reliance on oil, revenues from ANWR oil will be used to fund the development of alternative energy technologies. "Americans are fed up with astronomical oil prices being imposed by unstable foreign governments and the problem is getting worse every day," said Senator Stevens. "Oil at more than $125 a barrel will force higher prices on basic necessities like food and gasoline, and forces many Alaskans, especially fishermen, out of work. We can no longer afford to be at the mercy of OPEC. I stand with Senator Murkowski in this effort to provide immediate and long-term relief to America's energy crisis. This bill advances true energy independence, redirecting billions of American dollars away from OPEC and towards alternative energies made possible through the responsible development of our own available natural resources."  Listen to Senator Stevens' and Senator Murkowski's press conference about the legislation.  Listen to Senator Stevens' interview on the subject with Joe Campbell of KFQD Senator Stevens Reacts to Slaughterhouse Abuses Following the release of the Humane Society of the United States' video showing workers abusing and later slaughtering sick cows, Senator Stevens joined Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in introducting legislation that would shut down facilities that repeatedly process these "downer" cows. "Slaughtering ill livestock and sending this meat to market is simply not acceptable," said Senator Stevens. "We need stiffer penalties for meat packing companies that are engaging in this practice. By passing this legislation Congress would help ensure fewer recalls, safer food, and the protection of American consumers."  Read the full press release Congressional Budget Resolution Passes, Includes Amendments that Benefit Alaska Several Stevens-sponsored amendments are part of the Congressional Budget Resolution. This bill outlines priorities and guidelines for the appropriations process. Senator Stevens' work at this stage in the process will allow for greater allocations to many programs important to Alaskans. These additions do not guarentee funding, but place a cap on the total that can be alloted to a program. Highlights include: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Joining an amendement offered by Senators Arlen Specter (R-Penn.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Senator Stevens worked to add $1 billion to the President's budget. LIHEAP helps low-income homeowners weatherize and heat their homes.  Indian Health Service (IHS) - Senator Stevens co-sponsored Senator Byron Dorgan's (D-N.D.) amendment to increase the IHS account by $1 billion. This increase will allow both the continuation and enhancement of programs that currently service 1.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives.  Read the full press release		Alaska Congressional Delegation Works to Open ANWR Senator Stevens Reacts to Slaughterhouse Abuses Congressional Budget Resolution Passes, Includes Amendments that Benefit Alaska Anchorage Federal Building, Room 569 222 West 7th Avenue #2 Anchorage, AK 99513 (907) 271-5915 Bethel Delegation Office 311 Willow St, Bldg 3 Bethel, AK 99559 (907) 543-1638 Fairbanks Federal Building 101 12th Avenue, Rm 206 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) 456-0261 Girdwood Delegation Office 118 Lindblad Ave Girdwood, AK 99587 (907) 783-3301 Juneau Delegation Office Box 21247, Federal Building, Rm. 971 Juneau, AK 99802 (907) 586-7400 Kenai Delegation Office 110 Trading Bay Rd., Ste. 105 Kenai, AK 99611 (907) 283-5808 Ketchikan Delegation Office 540 Water St., Ste. 101 Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 225-6880 Mat-Su Valley Delegation Office 851 East Westpoint Dr. #307 Wasilla, AK 99645 (907) 376-7665 Washington 522 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-3004