Newsletter

Murkowski Travels to Northwest Arctic Region

I recently traveled throughout the Northwest Arctic region with a group of delegates from my office, NANA, the Northwest Arctic School District and Maniilaq. We visited with local residents in Deering, Buckland, Selawik, Noorvik and Kotzebue. For most of the communities this was my first visit, and a chance for a first impression. What I saw were communities and a region
beaming with pride.

Like many other rural areas the region is not without challenges. From dealing with the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act to the need for new or improved water and sewer projects, from rising energy costs to issues with drugs and alcohol - there is clearly much work to be done. The region, though, is confident that it will succeed, and is proud of the work it has already
accomplished.

I saw that the regional organizations have a respect for one another and a cooperative approach to meeting the challenges facing the region. To help strengthen families suffering from substance abuse, Maniilaq takes a holistic approach at its treatment facility at Mapsigvik. To diversify energy sources communities are harvesting the power of wind.

I saw that frustration with NCLB is not keeping children from succeeding. I visited schools that were clean and meticulously cared for. I looked out at the faces of parents and teachers proud of the attentive, respectful students in the audience.
I met with students who had insightful questions, genuine concerns and, of course, their own sense of pride in the banners hanging in the gymnasiums.

I share the residents' pride in their successes. I know we still have a lot of work to do in order to meet the needs of the region. I will do my part, and I know the people of the region will do theirs.

Murkowski Addresses Sexual Assault Response Team Summit

I joined state and local public safety officials, sexual assault agencies and public health workers at their Sexual Assault Response Team Summit in Mat-Su to discuss a regional strategy to combat sexual assault. Nearly 50 professionals involved with response team programs and Mayor Begich of Anchorage, Mayor Anderson of the Mat-Su Borough and Mayor Williams of the Kenai Borough participated in the summit.

Sexual violence is a growing problem throughout Alaska. Alaska's forcible rape rate is two-and-a-half times larger than the national average - a rate that is larger than California and Washington's rape rates combined. According to the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, more women in Alaska have suffered sexual assault than wear glasses or contact lenses. I have been actively involved in seeking out solutions on how to help recognize, stop, prevent and educate others about violence against women. Earlier this month, I was recognized at a bipartisan event sponsored by Lifetime Television, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence for my role in helping to pass the Violence Against Women Act of 2005, which I co-sponsored in the Senate. This strengthened legislation places a renewed emphasis on improving the response of law enforcement agencies in underserved communities, while also increasing funding for local organizations that are poised to respond to the needs of affected women.

Murkowski Introduces Legislation Aimed at Improving Child Nutrition

I have joined Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) in introducing the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act. With childhood obesity rates continuing to climb at an alarming rate, this legislation is designed to update the definition of "foods of minimal nutritional value" and to ensure that all foods that are sold in schools - whether in the cafeteria or in a vending machine - will meet the new nutritional standards. In fact, a study released as recently as this week found that a third of children and teens in the United States are either overweight or close to becoming so. Related legislation was also introduced in the House by Congressmen Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA).

The Act has earned the endorsement of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the national Parent Teacher Association, the School Nutrition Association and 85 member organizations of the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity.

National and Global Youth Service Day

I was proud to introduce legislation, which passed the Senate earlier this month, to designate today, April 21st, as National and Global Youth Service Day. It is vital that we recognize our outstanding youth and I strongly believe this is one way we can do so. In Alaska, the following groups will engage youth in community service activities in observance of National and Global Youth Service Day:

Anchorage's Promise is sponsoring an annual Kids' Day event. More than 20 interactive exhibits will be staffed by youth -- including booths where young people can learn why bicycle helmets are important.

Eighth graders from the Neon Team at Goldenview Middle School in Anchorage are creating colorful cards with Spring-themed poems. At least 120 students will donate cards to social service agencies, hospitals and community support organizations throughout Anchorage.

Members of Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, a statewide youth organization associated with the National Wildlife Federation, are developing a project to inform and involve youth in the use of energy efficient light bulbs.

The goals of National and Global Youth Service Day are to mobilize youth as leaders in identifying and addressing the needs of their communities; to support youth in community service and civic engagement; and to educate the public, the media and policymakers about the year-round contributions of young people to their communities. On this day, young people across the United States, and in more than 100 countries around the world, will participate in community service projects.

http://murkowski.senate.gov/newsletters/042106%20Newsletter.pdf