Alaska State Legislature
News from the Office of Representative Beverly Masek

State Capitol, Room 432
Juneau, AK 99801
phone: (907) 465-2679
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/Masek.htm

House Joint Resolution 51 Approved by the Legislature

For Immediate Release: April 21, 1997 Contact: Rep. Beverly Masek at (907) 465-2679.

Juneau - In response to action by Alaska Congressman Don Young, the Alaska State Legislature has passed House Joint Resolution 51.

Sponsored by Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow), House Joint Resolution 51 supports H.R. 2924, a bill which correct mistakes made during the application period of the Native Allotment Act.

During the Vietnam War, Alaska Native Veterans serving in Vietnam were not afforded the opportunity to apply for their allotments, because they were either serving in combat zones or were overlooked by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. H.R. 2924 will allow these forgotten veterans to apply for their allotments under the Native Allotment Act. HJR 51 expresses the Alaska State Legislature's support for Congressman Young's efforts to remedy this inequity.

"It's only right and appropriate that we should go back and make an accommodation for those who were overlooked because they were serving their country," stated Representative Masek.

While it may take a couple of years to pass this bill, Representative Masek believes, "It's important for all of us to support righting a wrong and I'm honored to be able to help Congressman Young in his efforts."

For more information contact: Don Stolworthy at (907) 465-2679 or fax (907) 465-4822.

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