News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog State Capitol
Senate Majority Press Secretary Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540
For Immediate Release: January 23, 1997 Contact: Senator Randy Phillips, 907/465-4949

Senator Phillips Goes to Bat For Youth Corps Challenge Program

His Resolution Asks Federal Government to Continue Support

Juneau -- Knowing the Alaska National Guard Youth Corps Challenge Program has transformed many of Alaska’s troubled kids into productive citizens, Senator Randy Phillips (R-Eagle River) introduced Senate Joint Resolution 7 this session asking the federal government to continue its financial support.

"SJR 7 passed out of the Senate State Affairs Committee today and will now move to the Senate Floor," said Senator Phillips.

Senator Phillips noted the Challenge Program is a 17.5 month intervention/prevention program for teenagers who are statistically "at risk" to become unemployed or potential criminals of the future. The program consists of two parts -- a 22 week military residential phase at Camp Carroll on Fort Richardson and a 12 month post-residential phase.

"85% of the kids who graduate from the Challenge Program are continuing their education in school or are working within twelve months after graduation," said Phillips. "With this kind of success rate, we must do everything possible to convince the federal government the program is worthy of ongoing support."

Senator Phillips explained the Challenge Program has been funded 100% by the federal government since its inception four years ago. Unfortunately, the funding is scheduled to end on September 30, 1997.

"I hope my resolution and a $250,000 state appropriation for the program included in the FY98 budget will convince Congress of its importance to our youth," Phillips said. "The Challenge Program will help us to achieve one of our ‘Commitments to Alaska’ to make our neighborhoods safe. It will help us to prevent, rather than pay for the price of crime."

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